Sophia Christinia Luise Prasht

Notes:

AKA Brost/Brahst/Prahst

Sophia married Friedrich Christoph Ernst Klevsaat on 21 Oct 1836 in Rosenow, Demmin, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Germany. Friedrich (son of Johann Christian Klevsaat and Elisabeth Catharina Neuendorf) was born before 24 Feb 1809 in Rosenow, Demmin, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Germany; was christened in in Kastorf Parish, Rosenow, Demmin, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Germany; died on 2 Sep 1892 in Burr Oak Township, St. Joseph County, Michigan. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Maria married George W. Jesse on 24 Nov 1859 in Byron, Genesee County, New York. George (son of Andrew Jesse and Mary Bajrovik) was born on 26 Feb 1832 in Strelitz, Kreis Kolmar, Posen, Prussia; died on 13 May 1903 in Sherman Township, St. Joseph County, Michigan; was buried in Sherman Lutheran Church Cemetery, St. Joseph County, Michigan. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

In a plat of Sherman Township ca 1880 supplied by Dorothy Williams, land belonging to G. Jess adjoins a larger parcel belonging to J. Klevsert.



(Research):
Census Listings:

1870 Federal Census
Michigan, St. Joseph County Sherman Township #183-183

Klevsert, John 30 M W Farmer $4000 $800 Macklenberg
Klevsert, Sophia 25 F W Keeping House Prussia
Klevsert, Carrie 3 F WMichigan
Klevsert, Ernest 60 M W Farm LaborerMacklenberg
Klevsert, Sophia 56 F W Keeping House Macklenberg

1880 Census
Michigan, St. Joseph County, Sherman
FHL Film 1254603 NA Film #T9-0603 Page 456C

Enumerated on 8 June 1880 #108-109
Clevsert, John W M 40 (Head) Farmer Mecklenburg Mecklenburg Mecklenburg
Clevsert, Sophia W F 35 Wife Keeping House Prussia Prussia Prussia
Clevsert, Carrie W F 13 Daug At Home Michigan Mecklenburg Prussia
Clevsert, Martha W F 9 Daug Michigan Mecklenburg Prussia
Clevsert, Emma W F 7 Daug Michigan Mecklenburg Prussia
Clevsert, Earnest W M 70 Grandfather Prussia Prussia Prussia
Clevsert, Sophia W F 64 Grandmother Prussia Prussia Prussia

Family/Spouse: Sophia ???. Sophia was born about 1845 in Prussia; and died. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

(Research):

Census Listings:

1880 Census

Census Place:Burr Oak, St. Joseph, Michigan Source:FHL Film 1254603
National Archives Film T9-0603
Page 24
RelationSexMarrRaceAgeBirthplace
Fred STROUSE Self M M W 58 GER Occ:Farmer Fa: GER Mo: GER
Minnie STROUSE Wife F M W 51 GER Occ:Keeping House Fa: GER Mo: GER
Chas. KLEVEART Son in Law M M W 32 GER Occ:Farmer Fa: GER Mo: GER
Emma KLEVEART Dau F M W 23 MI Occ:Helps In House Fa: GER Mo: GER
George KLEVEART GSon M S W 6 MI Fa: GER Mo: MI
John KLEVEART GSon M S W 8 M MI Fa: GER Mo: MI

Family/Spouse: Emma Strauss. Emma was born about 1857 in Michigan; and died. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

He is shown as owning his home free and clear at the time of the 1900 census in Sturgis, Michigan. The 1910 census shows him living with his wife, Tilda, and sister Julia Oman, alogn with her son George, age 13. Andrew was shown as a carpenter, age 47.

A.C. Jesse is Dead, Aged 76 Death Results from fall from roof of barn

Death claimed Andrew Charles Jesse, aged 76, today at 8:30 am at his home at 118 South Maple Street. Death resulted from a fall from the roof of a barn on Oct 30.

Mr Jesse was born July 29, 1861 in Sherman Township, the son of George and Mary Jesse. He lived in Sherman Township and Sturgis all his life. He was married in 1891 to Miss Matilda Foss in Sherman Township. Mr. Jesse was a carpenter and was working at his trade when he fell from the roof of the barn. He was a member of the Gospel Hall. Surviving him are his widow, Matilda, one son, Clarence, of Sturgis; four sisters Mrs. Anna Burgwald of Constantine; Mrs. Minnie Benkelman of Cass City, MI and Mrs. Julia Holdsworth and Mrs. Augusta Buchholz, both of Sturgis. Friends will be received at the home, where a prayer service will be held, followed by funeral rites in the Gospel Hall at 2 pm with the Rev. E.G. Dillon officiating. Interment will be made in Oaklawn Cemetery.

(Clipping from THE STURGIS DAILY JOURNAL, dated 10 Nov 1937, courtesy of Dorothy Williams)

Name: Andrew Charles Jesse
Gender: Male
Burial Date:
Burial Place:
Death Date: 10 Nov 1937
Death Place: City Of Sturgis, St. Joseph County, Mich.
Age: 76
Birth Date: 1861
Birthplace: Michigan
Occupation: Carpenter
Race: White
Marital Status: Married
Spouse's Name:
Father's Name: George Jesse
Father's Birthplace: Germany
Mother's Name: Mary Klesert
Mother's Birthplace: Germany
Indexing Project (Batch) Number: B02046-1
System Origin: Michigan-EASy
Source Film Number: 1940441
Reference Number: Page 57 No. 39
Collection: Michigan Deaths and Burials, 1800-1995

Andrew married Mathilda "Tilda" Mecklenburg Foss about 1891. Mathilda was born on 9 Jun 1870 in Sherman Township, St. Joseph County, Michigan; died on 21 Feb 1949 in Sturgis, St. Joseph County, Michigan. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Sturgis Daily Journal Tuesday, June 18, 1957

Thursday Rites To Be Held For Anna Burgwald

Constantine--Mrs. Anna Jessie Burgwald, 93, of 545 South Washington St., died Monday evening in her home after suffering a heart attack. She had been ill for two years. Born in Sherman Township, Sept. 16, 1863, she was the daughter of George and Mary (Klesert) Jesse and she lived several years in the state of Colorado. Since 1911, she had lived in and around the Constantine area. On February 2, 1886, she was married to John H. Burgwald who is now deceased. They were married in Sherman Township. A member of the Messiah Lutheran Church, she is survived by two daughters: Mrs. Mabelle Kruger of Constantine and Mrs. Edna Wright of Marshall, two sons: Charles of Constantine and Glenn of Big Rapids; Three sisters: Mrs. Minnie Benkelman of Cass City, Mrs. Julia Holdsworth and Mrs. August Buchholz, both of Sturgis; two grandchildren and four great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Services will be held in the Geisler Funeral Home, Thursday at 2 pm with the Rev. Harry Kellog of Ann Arbor officiating. Burial will take place in the Constantine Cemetery.

Name: Anna Jesse Burgwald
Gender: Female
Burial Date:
Burial Place:
Death Date: 17 Jun 1957
Death Place: Centerville, St.Joseph, Michigan
Age: 93
Birth Date: 17 Sep 1863
Birthplace: Michigan
Occupation:
Race: White
Marital Status: Widowed
Spouse's Name: John H. Burgwald
Father's Name: George Jesse
Father's Birthplace:
Mother's Name: Mary Klessert
Mother's Birthplace:
Indexing Project (Batch) Number: B02436-4
System Origin: Michigan-EASy
Source Film Number: 1940447
Reference Number: 279
Collection: Michigan Deaths and Burials, 1800-1995

(Medical):Hypertension, attending physician Raymond D. Zimont, M.D.

Anna married John H. "Bum" Burgwald on 2 Feb 1887 in Sherman Township, St. Joseph County, Michigan. John was born on 14 Apr 1859 in Buffalo, Erie County, New York; died on 1 Jul 1938 in Constantine, St. Joseph County, Michigan. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

An undated clipping (circa 1955) from the BAY CITY TIMES about Minnie reads:

WOMAN, 90, PAINTS AS HOBBY

Cass City--Although she will celebrate her 90th birthday anniversary next month, Mrs. B.F. Benkelman, of Cass City (above) is deeply engrossed in a new hobby. She has taken up painting as a pastime and finds it a happy way to keep busy. Like the famed Grandma Moses, Mrs. Benkelman waited a long time to begin painting. She started when she was 87 years old. A busy woman all of her life, Mrs. Benkelman says she finds it hard to just sit still. She balked a little over attempting her first painting but her interest quickened with her first picture and now she is at her easel each morning. She rests in the afternoon. Her hobby resulted because of a present from her daughter, Mrs. J.E. Pease of LaGrange, Ill. Mrs. Pease presented her mother with a painting set which included a canvas blocked off in numbered areas and paints numbered for each section. She delayed getting started but once the project was underway she found it enjoyable. That was two years ago. And it was also her last numbered painting. Since then she has been composing her own pictures and has turned out some 25 canvases. She won't sell a painting but she will give them away. Most have been claimed by her family and friends. She has a few hanging at home. Her painting she says is entirely for her own enjoyment. Her easel is set up on a card table in her living room and she paints while sitting down. She says she gets her ideas from photographs and magazine pictures. Using the basic idea, she then develops her own picture. She recalls that as a youngster she tried painting but did not pursue it since her folks thought it a waste of time. She also recalls that she liked to draw pictures when she was a school girl. For her paintings she likes outdoor scenes best. Mrs. Benkelman will celebrate her 90th birthday anniversary on Sept. 27. She was born on a farm near Sturgis and lived in Kansas for 10 years before coming to Cass City in 1902. Her husband's parents, the late Mr. and Mrs. Adam Benkelman were among the pioneer settlers of Cass City. Her husband, a retired general store operator, died three years ago. Her two sons and three daughters are all planning to be with her for her approaching birthday celebration. They are Mrs. E.T. Ball of Pottersville, N.J.; Mrs. May Carpenter of Farwell; Mrs. Pease; and H.L. Benkelman and B.F. Benkelman, both of Cass City.

Great granddaughter Melinda McLemore Strong has an 8 by 10 oil painting of a lakeside pasture in her home in San Antonio, Texas. (2003).

A similar article appeared in the Cass City Chronicle, as follows:

Cass City Chronicle
Friday, May 7, 1954
Volume 49, Number 2
Page One

Judging by the amount of beautiful paintings, afghans and other works she turns out, Mrs. Ben Benkelman, Sr., 88, accomplished more than many persons half her age.

For example, in the last year, Mrs. Benkelman has knitted an intricately designed tablecloth, several small items, painted the picture shown above and another larger picture that is framed and hanges on the wall in her home.

In addition, she writes regularly each week to her three daughters, Mrs. Ruth Ball, New Jersey, Mrs. Lois Pease, Illinois and Mrs. Mae Carpenter, Michigan.

She writes and signs all her own checks and keeps continually busy on her varied projects.

Minnie's obituary, also in the Cass City Chronicle, dated Thursday, June 22, 1961:

Minnie Benkelman Dies at 95

Cass City lost one of its eldest citizens June 18 with the death of Mrs. Minnie Benkelman, 95, in Stevens Nursing Home. Mrs. Benkelman had been ill for some time. She was a patient in the nursing home for several weeks.

She was born Wilhelmina JESSE in Sturgis, Sept. 24, 1865 and married Benjamin F. BENKELMAN in St. Francis, Kansas in 1892. They came to Cass City in 1901, lived at 1454 Maple Street and remained here until their deaths.

Mr. Benkelman ran a general store until his retirement in 1924. He died in 1952.

Surviving are three daughters and two sons: Mrs. E.T. BALL (Ruth) of Pottersville, N.J.; Mrs. Wilmot CARPENTER (Mae) of Farwell; Mrs. J.E. PEASE (Lois) of LaGrange, Ill,; Harold and Ben of Cass City. Other survivors are four grandchildren and nine-great grandchildren and one sister, Mrs. Augusta BUCHOLTZ of Sturgis.

Funeral services were held Wed. at 2 p.m. in the Douglas Funeral Home. Rev. S.R. Wurtz of Salem E.U.B. church, of which Mrs. Benkelman was a long time member, officiated and burial was in Elkland cemetery.

Wilhelmina married Benjamin Franklin Benkelman, Sr. on 26 Dec 1892 in St. Francis, Cheyenne County, Kansas. Benjamin (son of Johann Adam Benkelman and Anna Catharina Schaufele) was born on 24 Sep 1863 in Bowmansville, Town of Lancaster, Erie County, New York; died on 7 Sep 1952 in Cass City, Tuscola County, Michigan; was buried in Elkland Township Cemetery, Cass City, Tuscola County, Michigan. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Mrs. Holdsworth Dies in Sturgis

Mrs. Julia F. Holdsworth, 90, life-long resident of Sturgis and Sherman Township, died at 4:30 am Friday at the home, 206 Center Ave, after an illness of several months. She was born in Sherman Township, Dec 22, 1867, a daughter of George W. and Mary (Klesert) Jesse. Her first marriage was to George Oman, who preceded her in death, and later she was married to Charles Holdsworth, who died on June 7, 1954. Mrs. Holdsworth was a member of the First Methodist Church here. Surviving are her son, George Oman, or Sturgis; two sisters, Mrs. Minnie Benkelman of Cass City, Mich. and Mrs. John Buchholtz, of Sturgis. Others who survive are three grandsons and five great grandchildren. Friends may call at the Foglesong Funeral Home, where rites will take place at 1:30 pm Sunday, with the Rev. Byron A. Hahn, DD pastor of the First Methodist Church officiating. Interment will take place in Burr Oak Cemetery.

Name: Julia F. Holdsworth
Gender: Female
Burial Date:
Burial Place:
Death Date: 14 Feb 1958
Death Place: Centerville, St.Joseph, Michigan
Age: 90
Birth Date: 22 Dec 1867
Birthplace: Michigan
Occupation:
Race: White
Marital Status: Widowed
Spouse's Name: Chas. Holdsworth
Father's Name: George Jesse
Father's Birthplace:
Mother's Name: Mary Klessert
Mother's Birthplace:
Indexing Project (Batch) Number: B02436-4
System Origin: Michigan-EASy
Source Film Number: 1940447
Reference Number: 67
Collection: Michigan Deaths and Burials, 1800-1995


(Research):Census Listing:

1900 Census
Michigan, St. Joseph County, Sherman Township
#119-120
Jesse, George Head W M Feb 1832 68 Widowed Germany Immigrat
ed 1858 In US 42 years Naturalized Farmer R&W, Speaks English owns farm, free of mortgage
Oman, Julia Dtr W F Dec 1863 32 Wd 1 child, still living born MI parents born Germany
Oman, George Gson W M Oct 1896 Mich

Julia married Willis S. Oman on 15 Jul 1895 in Sherman Township, St. Joseph County, Michigan. Willis was born in 1870 in Nottawa Prairie, St. Joseph County, Michigan; died on 6 Aug 1897 in Michigan. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Julia married Charles Holdsworth on 26 Jun 1926 in Elkhart County, Indiana. Charles was born on 28 Apr 1864 in West Cornwall, Litchfield County, Connecticut; died on 7 Jun 1954 in Sturgis, St. Joseph County, Michigan. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

AUGUSTA BUCHHOLZ

Mrs. Augusta Buchholz, 96, an area resident all her life, died at 9:15 am Monday in Sturgis Memorial Hospital, after an illness of nearly four years. Mrs. Buchholz had been a Burr Oak Township resident for half a century, and, in recent years, had made her home with her daughter, Mrs. John (Nina) Falkenstein, 202 Susan Ave. She was born in Sherman Township, on Apr 14, 1870, a daughter of George and Marie (Klesert) Jesse. Her marriage to John Buchholz was solemnized September 30, 1896, in Burr Oak Township. He preceded her in death on July 12, 1955. She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church. She had been confirmed in Salem Lutheran Church in Sherman Township. Surviving besides her daughter, Mrs. Falkenstein, of Sturgis, are four grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. The funeral service will be held at 1:30 pm Thursday in Trinity Lutheran Church with the pastor, the Rev. J.M. Heidenreich, officiating. Interment will take place in Oak Lawn Cemetery. Friends may call at the Fogelsong Funeral Home until noon Thursday. Memorial donations, if desired, may be directed to the American Cancer Society or the Trinity Lutheran Church educational fund.

STURGIS DAILY JOURNAL Mon, Oct. 3, 1966

Name: Augusta Buchholz
Gender: Female
Burial Date:
Burial Place:
Death Date: 03 Oct 1966
Death Place: Centreville, St. Joseph, Michigan
Age: 96
Birth Date: 14 Apr 1870
Birthplace: Michigan
Occupation:
Race: White
Marital Status: Widowed
Spouse's Name:
Father's Name: George Jesse
Father's Birthplace:
Mother's Name: Marie Klesert
Mother's Birthplace:
Indexing Project (Batch) Number: B01995-7
System Origin: Michigan-EASy
Source Film Number: 1940926
Reference Number: P 407
Collection: Michigan Deaths and Burials, 1800-1995

Augusta married John Buchholz on 30 Sep 1896 in Sherman Township, St. Joseph County, Michigan. John was born on 1 Nov 1866 in Michigan; died on 12 Jul 1955 in Centreville, St. Joseph County, Michigan. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Her birth certificate records her last name as Gess, with her parents being George Gess and Mary Gess.

Notes:

His birth certificate records his last name as Gess, with his parents being George Gess and Mary Gess. He died at the age of 9 months, 28 days of Cholera.

Notes:

Per SS-5, #346-28-4619 John A. Klesert, 515 Lathrop Avenue, River Forest, Illinois. Full name John August Klesert, age 72, DOB 10/16/79 Burr Oak, Michigan Father: Charles Klesert Mother: Emma Strauss. Male. White. Self Employed. Date of application 1/11/52.

Clarence married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Mabelle married Arthur E. Kruger on 14 Jun 1911 in Nottawa Prairie, St. Joseph County, Michigan. Arthur was born on 31 Jan 1888 in Michigan; died on 25 Nov 1934. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Name: Charles Burgwald
Gender: Male
Burial Date:
Burial Place:
Death Date: 03 Jan 1958
Death Place: Centerville, St.Joseph, Michigan
Age: 68
Birth Date: 22 Sep 1889
Birthplace: St Francis, Kansas
Occupation:
Race: White
Marital Status: Widowed
Spouse's Name: Mary Tolbert Burgwald
Father's Name: John Burgwald
Father's Birthplace:
Mother's Name: Anna Jesse
Mother's Birthplace:
Indexing Project (Batch) Number: B02436-4
System Origin: Michigan-EASy
Source Film Number: 1940447
Reference Number: 50
Collection: Michigan Deaths and Burials, 1800-1995


(Research):

Census Information:

1930 Census
Michigan, Cass County, Porter Twp
Enumerated 3 Ap 1930
ED 14-19 SD 12 Sheet 1B
16
Burgwald, Charles Head M W 39 M 25 Ks NY Mich Farmer
Burgwald, Mary A Wf F W 32 M 18 Mich Mich Mich
Burgwald, Arlene Dtr F W 4 S Mich Ks Mich

Charles married Mary Alice Tolbert on 10 Jul 1915 in Centreville, St. Joseph County, Michigan. Mary was born on 16 Apr 1897 in Constantine, St. Joseph County, Michigan; died on 5 Jul 1948. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Name: George Wm. Burgwold
Gender: Male
Burial Date:
Burial Place:
Death Date: 29 Oct 1918
Death Place: Florence, St. Joseph, Michigan
Age: 26
Birth Date: 1892
Birthplace: Kansas
Occupation: Farmer
Race: White
Marital Status: Single
Spouse's Name:
Father's Name: John Burgwold
Father's Birthplace:
Mother's Name: Anna Jessee
Mother's Birthplace:
Indexing Project (Batch) Number: B53280-1
System Origin: Michigan-EASy
Source Film Number: 1295527
Reference Number: v 3 p 95
Collection: Michigan Deaths and Burials, 1800-1995

Notes:

(Research):

Census Listings:

1920 Census
Michigan, St. Joseph County, Constantine Twp
SD 4 ED 145 Sheet 2A
19-20
Burgwald, Glenn Head M W 25 M Kansas NY Mich Farmer
Burgwald, Vivian Wf F W 21 M Ill Oh Mich
Burgwald, Leona Dtr F W 1 1/12 S Mich Ks Ill

Glen married Vivian L. Cramer on 1 Mar 1918 in Sherman Township, St. Joseph County, Michigan. Vivian was born on 14 Nov 1898 in Illinois; died in Jun 1984 in Big Rapids, Mecosta County, Michigan; was buried in Highland View Cemetery, Big Rapids, Mecosta County, Michigan. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Edna married Howard M. Wright on 27 Sep 1930. Howard was born before 1900. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Attended college at Mt. Pleasant Normal (now Central Michigan) and was a teacher. Met her husband at a church social in Berwyn, Illinois.

Volume 25 of the STIFFLER-BENKELMAN BROADCAST, published September 6, 1965, reported that "Mr. and Mrs. E.T. Ball (Ruth Benkelman) and Mrs. Wilmot Carpenter (Mae Benkelman) entertained Mr. and Mrs. F.A. Smiley (Margaret Striffler) and Mr. and Mrs. Amos Weaver (Laura Striffler) at their trailers in Pinellas Park, Florida, last winter. This is an annual event for them.

Cass City Chronicle
Thursday, June 15, 1972
Page Thirteen

Hold Rites in Florida for Mrs. Ruth Ball

Funeral services were held Saturday, June 3, for Mrs. Ruth Ball, 77, or Clearwater, Fla., who died the previous week. Burial was in Memorial Park Cemetery, Clearwater.

She was born in St. Francis, Kansas, to the late Ben F. and Minnie Benkelman, Sr. She spent her childhood in Cass City until her marriage to Eustis (sic) T. BALL.

Surviving are her husband, a daughter, Mrs. Dorothy WILLIAMS of Palm Beach, Fla.; two brothers, Harold L. of Caseville and Ben F. Jr. of St. Petersburg, Fla.; two sisters, Mrs. Mae CARPENTER of Clearwater and Mrs. Lois PEASE of La Grange, Ill., also three grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Ruth married Eustace Thwaites Ball on 26 Jul 1924 in Berwyn, Cook County, Illinois. Eustace was born on 13 Nov 1899 in Burwell, Cambridgeshire, England; died on 21 May 1989 in Clearwater, Pinellas County, Florida. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Also was a teacher, attending Mt. Pleasant Normal.

Cass City Chronicle
Cass City, Mich., April 11, 1919
Page Four
Around Our Town
Miss Mae Benkelman, daughter of B.F. Benkelman and a teacher in the Sebewaing schools, is spending her Easter vacation here this week.

Cass City Chronicle
Cass City, Michigan
January 6, 1926

Miss Mae Benkelman returned to Flint on Sunday after spending the past two weeks at her home here.

Florence married Wilmot John "Bill" Carpenter on 1 May 1926 in Flint, Genesee County, Michigan. Wilmot was born on 1 Jul 1891 in Ballantree, Whiteship Township, York, Ontario, Canada; died on 16 Jun 1961 in Farwell, Clare County, Michigan. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Florence married Eustace Thwaites Ball on 13 Jan 1973 in St. Petersburg, Pinellas County, Florida. Eustace was born on 13 Nov 1899 in Burwell, Cambridgeshire, England; died on 21 May 1989 in Clearwater, Pinellas County, Florida. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Ben Benkelman reported that after seing a production of Uncle Tom's Cabin, his brother, Harold, was nicknamed "Sime" by his siblings, who considered him as mean as Simon Legree. The January 17, 1908 Cass City Chronicle had a brief mention of the upcoming "Mason Brother's Uncle Tom's Cabin company at the Opera House," most likely this was the production that inspired Sime's lifelong nickname. Harold would have been around age 11 at the time. He played basketball in High School.

Bob Benkelman wrote that his father was drafted into the army signal corps, where he worked as an airplane mechanic, and was stationed at Rockwell Field near San Diego. According to Wikipedia, the Signal Corps Aviation School was named Rockwell Field, on July 20, 1917, in honor of Second Lt. Lewis C. Rockwell, killed in a crash at College Park in 1912. Also in July, the United States Congress authorized the President to proceed with the taking of North Island for Army and Navy aviation schools. There was a need for trained military pilots as the United States had entered World War I earlier in the year. President Woodrow Wilson signed an Executive Order in August 1917 for condemnation of the land, which was still privately owned. The Army turned over the north end of the island to the Navy and relocated to the south end of North Island, the location of the Rockwell Field Historic District. The Navy's first occupancy of North Island occurred on September 8, 1917, but Congress did not authorize the purchase of North Island, for $6,098,333, until July 1919. The Army selected well-known Detroit industrial architect, Albert Kahn, to develop a site and building designs. Permanent construction of Kahn's design began in mid-1918. During World War I, Rockwell Field provided training for many of the pilots and crews sent to France. It also was the source of men and aircraft for the Sixth and Seventh Aero Squadrons, which established the first military aviation presence in Hawaii and the Panama Canal Zone, respectively.

After his military service, Sime was a Studebaker dealer, and later worked for E.B. Schwaderer, a contractor who built highways throughout the state, and constructed airports all over the midwest during World War II. Before retirement, Harold, worked as head of maintenance of all of the road equipment for the Tuscola County Road Commission.

Cass City Chronicle
Friday, November 24, 1933
Local Happenings
Page Four

Mr. and Mrs. Harold Benkelman and Mrs. Curtis Hung spent a few days last week hunting at Fairview.

The 1941 issue of the Striffler-Benkelman Broadcast showed that Mr. and Mrs. H.L. Benkelman and sons had spent the winter holidays in Florida.

Cass City Chronicle
Thursday, April 16, 1981

Benkelman Funeral Held

Harold Leroy (Sime) Benkelman, 83, of Cass City died Wednesday, April 8, at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Pontiac.

He was born Nov. 27, 1897, in St. Francis, Kansas, the son of Benjamin F. and Minnie (Jesse) Benkelman. He returned to Cass City as a small child with his parents. They made their home on the family homestead farm.

He married Isabel Fletcher Sept. 14, 1918 in Detroit. Following their marriage, they made their home in Sandusky where he was an auto dealer. They later lived in Cass City, where he was employed as equipment supervisor by the E.B. Schwaderer Construction Company and then Tuscola County Road Commission until his retirement.

He servied with the Army Air Corps during World War I. He was a member of the Salem United Methodist church of Cass City and a life member of Custer Lodge No. 393, F and AM, Sandusky.

Benkelman is survived by his wife; two sons, Bill Benkelman of Bloomfield Hills and Robert Benkelman of Caro; six grandchildren, three great grandchildren; one brother, Benjamin Benkelman of Clearwater, Fla. (sic) and two sisters, Mrs. Eustis Ball of Clearwater, and Mrs. Lois Pease of Pompano Beach, Fla. One sister, Ruth, preceded him in death.

Funeral services were conducted Friday afternoon at Little's Funeral Home, Cass City, with Rev. Eldred Kelley of the Salem United Methodist church officiating.

Burial was in Elkland Cemetery.

(Transcribed by Melinda McLemore Strong, Summer 2007)

He was one the family members BonnieMargaret Jacobs personally interviewed when preparing her history of the Benkelman family.

Harold married Isabel Lizzie Fletcher on 14 Sep 1918 in Detroit, Wayne County, Michigan. Isabel (daughter of Archibald Fletcher and Isabelle Patterson) was born on 25 Oct 1895 in Bad Axe, Huron County, Michigan; died on 3 Nov 1993 in Caro, Tuscola County, Michigan; was buried in Elkland Township Cemetery, Cass City, Tuscola County, Michigan. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Benjamin Franklin Benkelman, Jr. was born in 1899 in a sod hut on the JC Ranch in Jacqua, Kansas. His father, Ben, Sr., had moved to Kansas from Michigan to work for his Uncle at the ranch, and had spent nearly 20 years working as a cowboy. Ben and his three older brothers and sisters were all born on the ranch. In 1901, the family relocated back to Cass City, Michigan, where they purchased a general merchandise store. Ben remembers working at the store as soon as he was old enough to see over the counter. They sold dry goods, groceries, shoes, and crockeries. Ben recalled that the customers just pointed out what they wanted, and it was the clerks job to go gather everything. "We really worked in those days" he said. He remembers making deliveries in a red coaster wagon or by horse and buggy. The horse was named Topsy. Ben said he was the only one of the children who helped his parent's in their store. His other brothers and sisters didn't want to have anything to do with it.

In High School Ben was a star athlete. He was on the baseball, basketball, football, and track teams--four years each, earning a total of 16 letters. He even set several state track records. He graduated from High School during World War I. Fortunately, the war ended a only a few weeks before he was to report for military duty. He went to Kalamazoo College on a football scholarship. His team were the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association Champions (MIAA) in 1919. The MIAA is the Nation's Oldest Collegiate Conference.

Ben recalls that one of the games he played was against "the Gipper," who played at the University of Notre Dame. Born in 1895, George Gipp was a varsity athlete at Notre Dame from 1917 to 1920. While planning to pursue a career in baseball, he was convinced by legendary college coach Knute Rockne to play football as well. He led the Fighting Irish to a 27-2-3 record, playing both offense and defense. Several of his records still stand today. Gipp caught a throat infection during one of his final football games at Notre Dame. He died a few weeks later at the age of 25. Just before his death, he told Coach Rockne, "Some time, Rock, when the team is up against it, when things are wrong and the breaks are beating the boys - tell them to go in there with all they've got and win just one for the Gipper. I don't know where I'll be then, Rock. But I'll know about it, and I'll be happy."

After a year of college, Ben returned to Cass City to help his parents with the store. He later went to work at the Nestle plant in Cass City. Nestles food had purchased the plant from Hires Milk company around 1922. This plant had been producing "sweetened" condensed milk in Cass City since 1917, employing from 50-100 persons with most of their output being exported. The plant had been established at the urging of a group of local businessmen whose objective was to encourage and secure a milk processing plant to give the local farmers, almost all who had a small dairy herd, an easier way to dispose of their milk.

While working in Cass City, Ben was on the "Ward's Independents" Basketball Team and they were 'Thumb Champions, Michigan' for the 1921-1922 season.

A mutual friend set Ben up on a blind date with Avis Smith, a schoolteacher in a nearby town. This was in 1924. When he arrived to the boarding house to pick her up, she peeked over the balcony to check him out. She had made arrangements with a friend to watch for her signal. If Ben didn't pass muster, the friend was to inform him Avis was sick in bed. He passed with flying colors, however, and they drove nearly 20 miles for Chinese food.

Around this same time, Ben enrolled in a dental technician's program in Chicago. He worked his way through school as a waiter at "Child's One Arm Restaurant." The restaurant was named for the tables the diner's each sat at, similar to old fashioned school desks.

The following article about his studies appeared in the January 8, 1926 issue of the Cass City Chronicle "Ben Benkelman, jr., has completed his studies at the McCarrie School of Mechanical Dentistry at Chicago and is now assisting Dr. P.A. Schenck in the latter's dental parlors where he is gaining practical experience in his chosen work."

Ben and Avis were married in August, 1926. Seven years later, on December 8, 1933, their only child, Bonnie, was born.

Despite being born in the midst of the depression, Bonnie remembers an idyllic childhood. By lucky accident, her father withdrew their life savings from the bank the day before the great bank crash. He took out their savings to buy a winter coat and chair. When he returned to redeposit the balance, the banks had all closed. Ben remained steadily employed, running the dental lab for Dr. Pearl Schenck and then Dr. D.E. Rawson. He was employed by them for 42 years. The Benkelman's owned a house in Cass City, and a cabin in Caseville, on Lake Huron. Ben served on the village council for 11 years, and was twice village president (Mayor). He was never too busy for his daughter though. Bonnie remembers her father helping her, along with half the football team, with their math homework throughout high school.

He was a charter member of the Cass City Gavel Club, and Past Master and Life Member of the Tyler F&AM lodge.

When Ben was in his thirties, he went on a strict diet due to problems with his gallbladder. He abstained from sugar and fat for nearly 30 years. This, and his love of sports, probably contributed to his longetivity. He was able to play golf into his late eighties, and walked every morning and evening until he was nearly 96.

Volume 26 of the STIFFLER-BENKELMAN BROADCAST, published on September 5, 1966, reported that Ben retired "after 40 years as a Dental Technician. He and Avis were going to spend the winter in Houston, Texas with their daughter and family."

When the McLemore's were transferred back to Chicago, Ben and Avis moved onto St. Petersburg, Florida. They lived in a retirement community. They were to fulfill a dream when the visited Hawaii for their 50 wedding anniversary. They also enjoyed a Caribbean Cruise together. Ben had surgery for both kidney cancer and prostate cancer, both of which never reocurred. Avis died in 1981, and Ben lived in Florida for seven more years. After he suffered several minor strokes, he decided to move back to Houston, where the McLemore's had returned. This was around 1988. He lived in a retirement community on his own for several more years.

Ben's biggest fear was that his mind would deteriorate before his body, and sadly this came to pass. Around 1994, suffering from senile dementia and Alzheimer's, Ben moved into his daughter's home. Here he was to live until he died from complications from pneumonia in early 1998. His daughter, Bonnie, and granddaughters, Melinda and Leigh were at his bedside when he died.

Written by Melinda McLemore Strong, granddaughter, circa 1995 and revised periodically.

He was one the family members BonnieMargaret Jacobs personally interviewed when preparing her history of the Benkelman family.

(Medical):Cerebrovascular disease, chronic renal failure, Alzheimers disease, kidney and prostate cancer in remission

Benjamin married Avis Augusta Smith on 24 Aug 1926 in Grand Ledge, Eaton County, Michigan. Avis (daughter of William Bertis Smith and Ida Alice Elliott) was born on 4 Apr 1901 in Odessa Township, Ionia County, Michigan; died on 7 Nov 1981 in St. Petersburg, Pinellas County, Florida; was buried in Elkland Township Cemetery, Cass City, Tuscola County, Michigan. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Cass City Chronicle
Wednesday, March 15, 1989
Page Twelve
Obituaries

Lois Pease

Mrs. Lois Pease, 84, of Hinsdale, Ill., formerly of Cass City, died Thursday, March 9, at Holy Cross Hospital in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

She was born Jan 18, 1905, the daughter of Benjamin and Wilhamena Jesse Benkelman Sr. She married James Pease, who died in 1979.

Surviving are a brother, Benjamin F. Benkelman, Jr. of Houston, Texas, a sister, Mrs. Mae Ball of Largo, Fla., 2 nephews and 2 nieces. One brother, Harold, and one sister, Ruth, preceded her in death.

Funeral services were scheduled today (Wednesday) at Little's Funeral Home, Cass City, with Rev. Clare Patton, pastor of the Salem United Methodist Church, officiating.

Interment was to be in Elkland Cemetery.

(Transcribed by Melinda McLemore Strong, Summer, 2007)

(Research):Census Information:

1930 Census
Michigan, Muskegon County, Ravenna Village
Enumerated April 3, 1930 by Norman L. Kyle
ED 61-44 SD 5 Sheet 1B

28-29
Pease, James E. Hd M W 28 M 23 Mich Mich Mich Teacher
Pease, Lois J Wf F W 25 M 19 Mich NY Mich Teacher
Pease, Dudley A Brother M W 15 S Mich Mich Mich none
Jacobs, Evelyn A Boarder F W 24 S Mich Mich Mich Teacher

Lois married James E. Pease on 1 Sep 1925. James was born on 9 Nov 1901 in Midland County, Michigan; died on 3 Jul 1979 in Hinsdale, Dupage County, Illinois. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

George W. Oman

Sturgis--George W. Oman, 88, 206 Center St, died June 18, 1985, at Froh Community Home, where he was admitted June 11. He had been in failing health for an extended time. He was born October 31, 1896, In Sturgis, a son of Willis and Julia (Jesse) Oman. On April 18, 1925 he was married to Alma M. Kline, in Centreville. He was a lifelong Sturgis resident and graduated from Sturgis High School. He was employed at Scovill Mfg., Sturgis, and later in the maintenance department at Kirsch Co., until retiring in 1967. He was a member of the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah Witness. Surviving are his wife; three sons, Ralph Oman, Jackson, Richard Oman, Houston, Texas, and James Oman, Sturgis; 10 grandchildren and six great great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents. There will be no visitation. Cremation had taken place. A memorial service is 10 am Thursday at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah Witness, with Brian Turner officiating. Foglesong Funeral Home, Sturgis, handled the arrangements.

Family/Spouse: Alma Kline. Alma was born on 2 Oct 1906; died on 12 Apr 1995 in Sturgis, St. Joseph County, Michigan. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Name: Carl August Buchholz
Birth Date: 28 Apr 1898
Birthplace: Burr Oak, St. Joseph, Michigan
Gender: Male
Race:
Father's Name: John Buchholz
Father's Birthplace: Michigan
Father's Age:
Mother's Name: Augusta Henritte Jesse
Mother's Birthplace: Michigan
Mother's Age:
Christening Date:
Christening Place:
Additional Relatives:
Death Date:
Death Age:
Film Number: 2322866
Digital Folder Number: 4207542
Image Number: 1336
Frame Number:
Reference Number: item 2 p 287 rn 68
Collection: Michigan Births, 1867-1902

Name: Carl A. Buchholz
Gender: Male
Burial Date:
Burial Place:
Death Date: 21 Apr 1959
Death Place: Centerville, St.Joseph, Michigan
Age: 60
Birth Date: 28 Apr 1898
Birthplace: Michigan
Occupation:
Race: White
Marital Status: Married
Spouse's Name: Ruth Buchholz
Father's Name: John Buchholz
Father's Birthplace:
Mother's Name: Augusta Jesse
Mother's Birthplace:
Indexing Project (Batch) Number: B01985-4
System Origin: Michigan-EASy
Source Film Number: 1940448
Reference Number: 140
Collection: Michigan Deaths and Burials, 1800-1995



(Research):
Census Listings:

1930 Census
Michigan, St. Joseph County, Sturgis Township, Sturgis City, Ward 4
Enumerated April 8, 1930
ED 75-23 SD 12 Sheet 6B
160-165
Buchholz, Carl A. Head $2500 M W 31 M 23 Mich Mich Mich Clerk Post Office
Buchholz, Ruth M Wf F W 31 m 23 Mich Germany Mich
Buchholz, John C Son M W 3 5/12 S Mich Mich Mich

Carl married Ruth Niles on 27 Jul 1921 in Burr Oak Township, St. Joseph County, Michigan. Ruth was born on 14 Apr 1904 in Michigan; died on 1 Mar 1983. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Nina married John Falkenstein on 1 Aug 1925 in Sturgis, St. Joseph County, Michigan. John was born on 26 Feb 1904 in Sherman Township, St. Joseph County, Michigan; died on 26 Jun 1991 in Monroe, Monroe County, Michigan. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]