Our Families

  • Senger

    Zeyersvorderkampen (1945)

    My opa’s (Richard Senger) farm (before 1947) was located in Zeyersvorderkampen Freie Stadt Danzig- Westpreußen (today: Kępiny Małe in North Central Poland). My oldest family friend Rainer Mueller-Glodde provided me with this map.  My opa & great-onkel’s (Richard u. Julius Senger) farm was located at number 23 (bottom of the map on the right-hand side). ——— English Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version) ————- In the Ordnance Survey sheet “1781 Jungfer”, 1 : 25,000, from 1936, the farms of Zeyersvorderkampen and their owners are shown here in color; status ca. 1940 / 1945. The map was created by Gerhard Dyck, b: Einlage 1927, d: † 2003, based on the information of…

  • Luftgaukommando Munchen about 1938
    Senger,  WW2

    Luise Senger WW2 and after

    Now that my mother is no longer with us, I think it is safe to share her WW2 and post-WW2 military career(s). This written remembrance of Luise Senger’s Military Service was related to Mark Rabideau by Luise (Senger) Rabideau in December of 2005 and was approved by her for publication in our family history after her death. Luise Senger was a Lieutenant in the Deutsche Luftwaffe during WWII. (This is extraordinarily rare as there are essentially “no records” of female officers in the WW2 Deutsche Luftwaffe.) She served in Berlin, Bromberg, Munich as well as other German Air Force bases. On January 14, 1945, she departed Fliegerhorst Bromberg and was…

  • Pioneers,  Quebec & Canada,  Rabideau

    Marie Olivier Sylvestre (Manit8abe8ich – Manitouabeouich – Manitouabewich)

    Source: article from America-Canadian Genealogist, Issue #96, Vol 29, 2nd Quarter, 2003 found on Rootsweb (here) Author: Lucie Bisson Morency #4893   Posting revision(s): 13 Feb 2021 Introduction Who is this Marie Olivier Sylvestre Manit8abe8ich? At the Bisson Family Reunion in August 2000, professor Marcel Clique, announced that the Bissons have an Indian in their genealogy and her name is Marie Olivier Sylvestre Manit8abe8ich. She was a young Huron Indian or maybe Algonquin. This seems to start us with a little problem that could prove difficult to affirm. In most genealogical and historical sources that I came across during my research at the American-Canadian Genealogical Society, Marie Olivier Sylvestre is acknowledged as…

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  • Henss

    Henß Familie aus Beuern (Henß Family of Beuern)

    This article is posted today in honor of what would have been my father-in-law’s  (Robert R. Henß) 90th birthday… and with gratitude and appreciation of our Henß Family in Germany (Ulrike und Günter). We are pleased to share a small number of Henß related images, photos, and sketches. I will work on translating and presenting numerous additional materials on ManyRoads during this next year (2017). But for now, I will provide access to the drawings, images, etc. here as I obtain them. Be advised these materials are in flux and will most certainly evolve and ‘grow’. Liebe Ulrike und Günter, vielen dank für deine Mühe! (Thank you very much for all your…

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  • Rabideau

    Andre Robidou dit L’Espagnol

      The following material has been extracted and modified from the original published at Robidou Association of North America.  It is placed here under Fair Use;  the original article may be viewed in its entirety here. The bulk of this article was researched and authored by Guy Rabideau,the son of Clyde Rabideau.  Their website which offers access to their many outstanding genealogical texts may be found at clyderabideau.com. The following history details the life of Andre Robidou dit L’Espagnol prior to and in New France: Circa 1636-1640- Andre Robidou dit L’Espagnol is born in Sainte-Marie, Spain, the son of Manuel Robidou and Catherine Alue/ Alve. (Note: Sainte-Marie is noted as…

  • Mennonites,  Senger

    Thiensdorf Nachfahrenliste- 2015

    ManyRoads Related Materials ManyRoads Articles Cornelius Schepansky Family(ies) Hermann Schepansky Anna Heinrichs Family Hermann Schepansky Marie Claussen Family Source Documents Cornelius Schepansky Families Hermann Schepanski Anna Heinrichs Family Hermann Schepanski Marie Claussen Family credit for the following material belongs largely to: Alfons Szczepanski (the keeper of all things Szczepanski!) … I just added the English ‘bits’, the formatting, the photo, and our Schepansky links (above). Vorbemerkungen/ Introduction: Szczepanski Mennonitenfamilie Geschichte. Nach der mündlichen Familienüberlieferung war der Stammvater ein katholischer Knecht namens Szczepanski (Szepansky), der bei einem mennonitischen Bauern von der Mennonitengemeinde Plauschwarren, Kreis Gumbinnen (Ostpreußen, auch “Preußisch-Litauen” genannt) arbeitete. Dieser Knecht ließ sich mennonitisch taufen und heiratete eine Mennonitin. Als…

  • Senger

    Luise Rabideau geboren Senger

      It is with sadness, pride, and love I provide the following obituary announcement. English: Luise Rabideau died after a long and valiant fight against Alzheimer’s Disease. She was born on 12 January 1923 in Zeyersvorderkampen, Kreis Grosses Werder, Freie Stadt Danzig to Richard Senger and Frieda Recht. Her death was on 4 January 2015 at 2335 (officially registered as 5 January 2015 at 0006). Luise grew up on the Senger family farm with her brother Erich, attending primary school in the village of Zeyer and secondary schools and Business College in Elbing, Westpreussen, Germany. Following her schooling, she served in the Deutsche Luftwaffe, completing her war duties in Munich…

  • Active Research,  Henss,  Search Tricks & Tips

    Finding Wilhelm Henss

    To say that finding Wilhelm Henss (William Henss) was difficult is an understatement. It seems like his German home and family had been lost to the US Henss family from the very beginning. The why behind that fact remains a mystery. We will probably never know if William choose to keep his origins “quiet” or if at all happened just as a “matter of course”. To read the history of William and Katharine Henss as we have it documented, please read William & Katharine (Kämmer or Kemmer) Henss- a brief history. (Please be aware their “story” is being revised regularly now, as new data is evaluated and digested.) But as…

  • Henss,  Johnson

    On the wind

    10 May 2014 was day of commemoration and celebration.The sun, wind, skies, and Rocky Mountains were all in attendance, as were the four daughters and two sons-in-law. Deer, birds, and the fresh, green sprouts of spring promised renewal and life. God was there and spoke for Himself. No intermediary was needed. He made his presence known to each in his own way. His words and message were heard by all present and His message was understood. No filter, discussion, or interpretation was required. There was joy and remembrance. Memories were recounted, the family was fortified. Marion Alice (Johnson) Henss was a good mother, daughter, and wife; she will be missed.…

  • Senger

    Luftgaukommando VII

    During the latter stages of World War II, Luise Senger served as an executive administrative assistant in Luftgaukommando VII. We are uncertain what rank or level position she actually held.  The photos in this gallery depict the building as it looked during the Third Reich and as it appears currently. This giant building was the regional headquarters of the Deutsche Luftwaffe Luftgaukommando VII (German Air Force, Headquarters Air Command VII). Even today, there are many original ornaments in the shape of swastikas or helmets visible. The building, Prinzregentenstrasse 24-28, was built in 1938 by order of Hermann Göring for the Luftwaffe (German Air Force) headquartered in Munich Bavaria (München, Bayern).…

  • Deyo

    A Leona Deyo surprise

    About two weeks ago, I was surprised with a very pleasant email and picture from one of my ‘cousins’. Barb had been researching the Deyo family and made a very exciting discovery, she wrote: Look what I found while searching online at SUNY Plattsburgh. Leona Deyo, Altona, NY. They give her age as about 2 yrs. old. This is a part of their special collections. I was told that “If this image is used in any publication or posted online, we ask that this credit line is used: Courtesy SUNY Plattsburgh Special Collections. This way other people know where the original image is held.” Needless to say, I was thrilled,…

  • Ancestry.com Thoughts,  Search Tricks & Tips,  Senger

    Another perspective on Ancestry hints

    I think that in the past almost all of my postings on Ancestry member hints have been negative.  Well in the interest of fairness and sharing, I think this posting is perhaps a bit past due.  I have to admit that as with most observations, there are many perspectives possible.  So here is a personal tidbit offering a counter-point to my earlier Ancestry Member Tree Hint observations. Like most genealogists, I make mistakes. I think it is safe to say that my mistakes are almost always simple accidents.  At least, I can not think of a single situation where I have made an error on purpose.  I don’t like admitting…

  • Senger

    Hermann Schepansky Family

    At this point, we believe that our research has produced a rather complete image of the Families and Children of Hermann Schepansky. If you know of additional source materials or information, we would love hearing from you. HERMANN1 SCHEPANSKY was born about 1754 in Kerbshorst, Westpreussen, Germany1. Herman Schepansky was baptized in 1802 in Marcushof, Westpreussen, Germany2. He died on 18 Dec 1824 in Schwansdorf, Westpreussen, Germany1. He married (1) CATARINA ANNA HEINRICHS (daughter of Jacob Heinrichs and Miss Koeller) on 06 Nov 1800 in Kerbshorst, Westpreussen, Germany1, 2. She was born on 05 Aug 1781 in Kerbswald, Westpreussen, Germany1, 2. Catarina Anna Heinrichs was baptized in 1797 in Marcushof,…

  • Expulsion - Vertriebenen,  Senger

    Die Wedhorn Vertreibung (Expulsion)

    Note:  This account is the product of numerous discussions, interviews and writings between Frieda geboren Wedhorn, her son Norbert Grohmann, and Mark Rabideau.  Every effort has been made to remain true to the intent, content and events of this life altering time. During the days preceding Frieda geboren Wedhorn’s capture and deportation by the Soviets, heavy fighting began in and around the Wedhorn family home in Orlofferfelde, Westpreußen.  During this time, around March 1945, Soviet Red Army soldiers came to the Wedhorn farmhouse, took possession and refuge within it and while there they attacked and raped Frieda (geboren Wedhorn). Shortly after the rape, the Soviet soldiers were forced to leave…

  • Active Research,  Senger

    Samuel Ferdinand Recht- Caroline Henriette Sczepanski

    Note: additional source materials are currently being sought. Aside from the birth records of Samuel Ferdinand Recht and Caroline Henrietta Sczepanski we have very sparse information regarding the lives and existence of our couple and their family/ children. Caroline Henriette Schepansky- Birth 16 March 1844 7.6 MB Samuel Ferdinand Recht- Birth 12 February 1841 7.9 MB The second place we find the couple mentioned with certainty is in the marriage record of their son Johann Hermann Recht to Auguste Kunz. There we find mention of them and their deaths having occurred before the Recht-Kunz marriage in Ellerwald, Kreis Elbing. Additionally, we have found evidence of one Samuel Recht living in…

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  • Active Research,  Senger

    Johann Recht Family(ies)

    Note: This material/ history is incomplete. Any/ all suggestions or pointers are most appreciated! Johann Recht had two, perhaps three, marriages.  His first documented marriage was with Elisabeth Barwich (Baarwich)- our progenitor; his second documented marriage was with Florentine Barwich (a cousin? of Elisabeth).  As far as we can tell, Johann and his families lived in and around the Zeyer ev. Kirche until Johann’s death.  Johann’s death record indicates that he died on 7 September 1854 at the age of 54 years and 10 months (0 days).  He was buried evangelisch in the Zeyer ev. Kirche graveyard.  Based upon Johann’s documented age at death, we calculate his birth to have been…

  • Senger

    Cornelius Schepansky Family(ies)

    At this point, we believe that our research has produced a rather complete image of the Families and Children of Cornelius Schepansky. If you know of additional source materials or information, we would love hearing from you. Our information and resources have been and continue to be packaged for submission to the Schepanski Family Archives in Delmenhorst Germany as well as to Grandma (The Online Mennonite Archives). CORNELIUS1 SCHEPANSKY was born on 11 Feb 1806 in Kerbshorst, Westpreussen, Germany 1. Cornelius Schepansky was baptized on 19 May 1823 in Marcushof, Westpreussen, Germany1. He died on 27 Feb 1861 in Ellerwald, Westpreussen, Germany2. He married (1) CORNELIA MARTENS on 14 Aug…

  • Active Research,  Henss

    John Hall c. 1732 – 1794

    This page is under development; research is on-going Note: additional source materials are currently being sought. The Grandfathers Vol.I, The Hall and Overstreet Families Carrol Carman Hall, Springfield, IL, 1981 Section I Chapter 3, Page 19 From his will of 1794 John Hall c. 1732 – 1794 Miller on Rockcastle Creek It is common among Hall family searchers to say with a great deal of respect, ‘Our John Hall.’ This is the way they distinguish him from the numerous John Halls they meet with in their researches, within or outside the immediate family. Well, he was ‘quite a man.’ But — we are not descended from him. We are descended…

  • Active Research,  Henss

    William Hall 1707? – 1757

    This page is under development; research is on-going Note: additional source materials are currently being sought. The Immigrant Grandfather Source: The Grandfathers The death of William Hall on the first of May, 1757 at the hands of the Cherokee Indians, not only thrust upon John Hall, his oldest son, the responsibility of heading the family but also the settling and managing of his estate. Many of the old-timers made their Wills on their deathbeds, but in the case of William Hall, death came suddenly and as a consequence he had no Will. Fortunately, Bedford county which had been organized just three years prior to the fateful Spring of 1757 had…

  • Active Research,  Henss

    Christian and Mary (Roth) Wenger- A Brief History

    This page is under development; research is on-going Note: additional source materials and records are currently being sought. Christian Wenger was born 2 DEC 1799, Basel, Switzerland Mary Roth was born 15 NOV 1807, Dornach, Switzerland They were married 7 SEP 1830, Burgfelden, Elsass Christian Wenger and family migrated from Germany through Basel, Switzerland to near Hamburg, Ontario in 1835. The family lived here for 9 years. In 1844 they moved to Washington Co., Iowa north of Wayland by covered wagon, stopping overnite in Chicago where they could not find a place to stay. All the clothing they owned was on their backs as their clothing had been stolen before…

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  • Senger

    August Ferdinand Kunz – Catherine Elisabeth Albrecht

    The family of August Kunz and Elisabeth Albrecht lived in Neuteicherwalde in Kreis Marienburg, Westpreussen (West Prussia). August was a Hofbesitzer (Farmer). It is believed that Hermann Recht and Auguste geboren Kunz inherited the family farm with their marriage three plus years following the death of August Ferdinand (facts are being sought to confirm this). We do know that as late as 1895 Elisabeth continued to live in Neuteicherwalde (even after Hermann and Auguste Recht had moved to Pietzkendorf). This fact is confirmed via the birth and baptismal record of Erich August Albrecht. August Ferdinand Kunz (was born on 7 Feb 1844 in Neuteicherwalde the son of Andreas Kunz and…

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  • Senger

    Hermann Recht- Auguste Kunz Family History

    Hermann Recht and Auguste Kunz were married in Baarendorf ev. Kirche Kreis Marienburg, West Preussen.  To quote from the church records: Johann Hermann Recht, born 16 June 1869 in Zeyersniederkampen, married Auguste Alvine Caroline Kunz on 10 March 1891. (page 192 Baarendorf ev. Kirche). Based upon an oral family history/ tradition obtained by me from Luise Rabideau geboren Senger, their grand-daughter, the Recht-Kunz marriage took place just after the death of Auguste’s father, August Ferdinand Kunz. The truth of the matter was that the marriage actually took place some three years after August’s death. Hermann and Auguste had five children, that we have identified, four of which lived into adulthood.…

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  • Senger

    Sometimes… magic happens

    Today was one of those amazing days. It is often unbelievable what the universe has in store for you. Today, I received a small insight. A cousin of mine, Norbert Grohmann contacted me. Mind you, I had no idea that I had a cousin by that name or that his part of the family had even survived the Second World War. My mother, my primary source for such information, had not even known. But today a message (comment) came to me here on ManyRoads and it was Norbert… my cousin (Gott sei dank!). Since early this morning, we have numerous email exchanges.  I have gathered photos and information from Norbert. …

  • Help Wanted,  Senger

    Auguste Alvina Caroline Kunz

    It was another one of those days a genealogist only dreams of… one, when a huge brick wall comes tumbling down. Today my daughter and I were reading through our latest bunch of 11 Family History Center tapes, hoping to eek out a simple clue regarding our Prussian German forebears. We had already viewed 9 tapes when on our 9th tape we saw a birth/baptism record for Eduard Ferdinand Kunz.  The name Ferdinand Kunz had appeared as being in attendance at my great aunt (Tante) Ella’s baptism.  Did we have the right family? As readers of ManyRoads may already know, Auguste Kunz (my Uhr-Oma) on my grandmother’s line has been…

  • Active Research,  Deyo

    Francois Lafaye & Marguerite Foret/Forest

    I have encountered yet another Quebec genealogy mystery. As you might expect, this “new” mystery also involves the Deyo line. Nothing new there, I guess! Here’s where things stand currently. The family in question are the Francois Lafaye/ Marguerite Foret family- my gggg-grandparents down my grandmother’s maternal line (mid 1700s). Marguerite Foret/Forest appears ‘likely’ to have been the daughter of Bonaventure Foret/Forest and Marie-Claire Rivet. She as well as her entire Forest/Foret family were deported by the British ultimately landing in Louisiana as part of le Grand Derangement; deportation records (on Ancestry.com) support that assertion as does a database on the Acadian-Cajun website. Additionally I have found the following history…

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  • Active Research,  Deyo

    Alexis Menard- Louise Pageau family history

    Notes: For those of you who follow ManyRoads, you will recall that I have been looking for years for my great-grandmother’s family (Exina Menard- Deyo). I am sharing my work and data as it evolves (I hope much like a tutorial or case study.) for three reasons: to help me keep things in one place (a running log?) share the process of research with anyone interested in seeing my work as it stumbles, jerks and ultimately unfolds to use in my September tutorial Be aware, this page is being actively worked and its content will change! This material grew in large part from a forum posting originally created by Bev…

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  • Deyo

    Another Deyo adventure!

    I guess I could have entitled this posting, out with the old, in with the new.  But as with most genealogy not very much of this information is actually new; including the fact that I had yet another problem in my Deyo lineage. Here’s the long and short of what has happened.  Barb (one of my  Deyo ‘cousins’) reviewed my latest Deyo line and noticed that my information and hers were not in synch. She is the proud owner of many things Deyo including photos, death certificates, folklore and the like. And as luck would have it, Barb’s copy of Mary (Bonah) Deyo’s death certificate indicated that Mary’s parents had…

  • Expulsion - Vertriebenen,  Senger,  Tips & Opinions,  Tools

    Frieda Senger- Cyrillic Conversion

    As many of you are aware, I have been trying to decipher a Russian document that Soviets created as justification for sending my grandmother into a Gulag following WW2. To help me with my sleuthing, I have found and used the following tools: Russian letters & script Russian online keyboard Automatic Cyrillic Converter My grandmother’s document may be viewed here: Frieda Senger -Suchdienst & Soviet Records. What I did to help me in my search was to carefully look at the Cyrillic script and attempt to define each letter using the script as presented on the site at item 1 above. Once I found (or thought I found) the script…

  • Expulsion - Vertriebenen,  Kreis Elbing,  Senger,  WW2

    Zeyer- the end

    Recollections of an officer of the chief administrative district in Zeyer. Johannes Jahn, farmer and farm owner in Zeyersvorderkampen. see original document This document has been translated and reworked with additional family history by Mark Rabideau. The District of Zeyer was located in the northeast corner of the Free State of Danzig, in the area that included the towns of Grosses Werder, Zeyer, Stuba and Schlangenhaken. The district followed the Nogat River, starting at the village Zeyer to the Vistula Lagoon estuary. The total area of the District was about 2510 hectares (~6200 acres)  of which 480 hectares (`1200 acres) were the village of Zeyer, Stuba with the village of…

  • Senger,  Thoughts

    For some its Groundhog’s Day

    2 February is one of those days that adds a bit of winter fun to many Americans’ lives. For me though, it is something much more. It was 122 years ago today (2 February 2011) that my grandfather was born. As readers of this site will most likely know, he remains one of my life’s great influences. He is one of those loved people to whom much of my ManyRoads work is dedicated. Richard Senger was born on this day in 1879. He was born the third child of ten to Michael Senger and Adelgunde geboren Kiehl in Zeyersniederkampen, Westpreussen, Deutschland (a heimat -homeland- that is no more). He survived…

  • Kreis Elbing,  Senger

    Papatschen Käserei (Meierei)

    . revised: 22 Dec 2022 In Zeyervorderkampen during and before World War 2, there was a small Käserei (Meierei) Dairy that was owned, all or in part, by Richard Senger. Based upon maps and analysis of the region (today Kepiny Male) by Rainer Glodde-Mueller during his 2010 journey to the area, it is believed that the following photos are what remains of that past business. Obviously the buildings had been worked on in the early 1950s (see the photo with the dated stone near the roof peak). Discussions with Luise Senger Rabideau (Richard’s daughter) were not definitive in identifying these buildings positively. A mystery remains. Are these, or are they…

  • Senger

    Adelgunde Wilhelmine Senger geb. Kiehl is found!

    After searching for more than 70 years for documentary evidence, on 11 December 2010, we finally viewed the image of the birth record of Adelgunde Wilhelmine Senger geboren (born) Kiehl (my great-grandmother- “O-oma“). It was one of those ‘hoped for’ breakthrough findings. Earlier we had uncovered evidence on FamilySearch saying that her birth record was in fact located in Graudenz Mittelbezirk Westpreussen. Just about 6 weeks ago, we ordered the microfilm and sure enough, there it was. We now have the film on permanent hold in our local family history center in Parker. Her birth was on the 6th of October 1850. Her father was Erdmann Kiehl and her mother…

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  • Kreis Elbing,  Senger

    Wasserstrasse, Elbing

    On the 22nd of October, 2010, I received an email from a long-time (since 1762) family friend (more on that later). Rainer and his family were in Poland looking at the alte Heimatland. AND… they had been to visit the street where my mother lived as a teenager with her Onkel Robert and Tante Olga. The email I received contained these photos. I was visiting with my mother when the photos arrived. Es war wirklich eine Ueberraschung! (It was truly a surprise!) Meine Mutter war sehr froh alles wieder zu sehen (My mother was happy to see everything again.). She had not seen her Onkel’s house since the mid- 1940s,…

  • Senger

    Frieda Senger Birth Record!

    Thursday the 7 October 2010 was one of those spectacular days for a family genealogist! I went to the Parker Family History Center to do research in the Ladekopp/ Pietzkendorf Evangelische Kirche records. I had no idea what, if anything I might find. What I found was both amazing and joyful.  I found my grandmother’s baptismal record (birth record): Frieda Auguste Recht I also found the records for two of her siblings, Ella and Ernst and Otto (who died an infant). Ella Selma Recht Ernst Hermann Ferdinand Recht Based on the information I uncovered here is what I believe to be the situation. The Hermann Recht- Auguste Kunz family moved…

  • Senger

    Otto Wedhorn- Ella Recht Family

    The Otto und Ella Wedhorn history is an unusually sad one.  It is also one of resilience.  Otto and Ella were Luise Senger’s Aunt and Uncle (Ella was sister to Frieda Recht).  Our families had basically been lost to each other until 2011 when Norbert Grohmann contacted me here on ManyRoads. Otto Wedhorn was born on October 17, 1878, location under investigation. Ella Recht was born in Pietzkendorf, West Prussia on born: 21 Dec. 1896 – baptized: 21 Feb. 1897 The Wedhorn’s and their family, like the Senger’s, were severely impacted by World War 2; many did not survive. Here is what we know: Otto Wedhorn Senior was fortunate and…

  • Henss

    Verda Marie Rich Henss

    The following obituary was published in Mennonite Weekly Review: 8 Dec 1926 p. 7 Verda Marie Rich, wife of Paul Henss, was born to Mr. and Mrs. Frank G. Rich, May 9th, 1905 near Crawfordsville, Iowa and departed this life in Wayland, Iowa, November 27, 1926 at the age of 21 years 6 months and 18 days. Early in life she was admitted to the Eicher Mennonite Church at Noble. Her Christ-like disposition won the respect and admiration of all who knew her. She graduated with honors from the Wayland High School with the class of ‘23. Two years ago the mother was taken from the home after which Verda,…

  • Deyo,  WW2

    Gerald Deyo

    Gerald Deyo was one of the first US paratroopers trained in Panama, during World War 2. After his training, he became a member of the the 503 Parachute Battalion. Ultimately he attained the position of Jumpmaster. During the war, Gerald was based in Australia and fought mostly in New Guinea. On one of his jumps into New Guinea he was wounded by the enemy with a bayonet stab to his back, as he landed. this account was related by Fred Rabideau to Mark Rabideau and Linda Ziegler

  • Deyo,  WW2

    Clarence Deyo

    Clarence Deyo spent most of World War 2 as a platoon Sargent in the Timberwolf Division fighting through France and into Germany. While in Northern France his platoon unwittingly captured a German payroll truck. After the capture, his squad got drunk and burned all the money to keep warm. Clarence’s most traumatic incident in the Second World War involved the killing of a German sniper, who had pinned down his platoon and was shot out of a tree. Upon examining the dead sniper, he discovered a pretty young French girl. That incident troubled and haunted him for the rest of his life. this account was related by Fred Rabideau to…

  • Erich Senger 1940
    Senger

    Erich Senger

    Erich Senger was born in Zeyersvorderkampen, West Prussia on 10 Dec 1921 to Richard and Frieda Senger. He spent his youth growing up on the Senger farm along with his sister Luise. Erich was a mischievous, precocious and inventive child. As a children he and his sister Luise walked from their home across the Schulweg to attended a small public school in the village of Zeyer. When they were out of school they both helped work the farm, as best they could.  However as with most children their love was with their pets, a chicken and a little dog named Fifi. Among his early childhood adventures, Erich built a small…

  • Civil War,  Henss,  Iowa

    John & Isabella (Solomon) Musgrove Family- a brief history

    John & Isabella (Solomon) Musgrove are in the Henss branch of our family lineage. We are in search of additional information and photos regarding John & Isabella that may be available. We are especially keen to find military information (for John’s service and death), gravestone images, marriage documentation and death certificates. Please use our contact page if you have any information to share. John Musgrove is one of our family’s honored war dead. He died in the service of his nation from wounds he suffered at Vicksburg, MS. 1850 The 1850 US Census finds the Musgrove family living in Livingston, Clark County, Illinois. At that time, John was a farmer…

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  • Henss

    Isaac Wade and Keziah (Musgrove) Allen- a brief history

    Isaac W. and Keziah Allen are in our Henss family lineage. We are in search of additional information and photos regarding Keziah and Isaac Wade  that may be available.  We are especially keen to find gravestone images, marriage documentation and death certificates. Please use our contact page if you have any information to share. 1870 According to the 1870 US Census, Issac Allen (reportedly born in Ohio was age 25) and Keziah (reportedly born in Illinois was age 21) were living with their daughter Cora Belle Allen in Mt. Pleasant, Jefferson Township, Henry County, Iowa. Issac was earning a living as a blacksmith and Keziah was noted as Keeping house.…

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  • Henss,  Pennsylvania,  Quakers

    Robert & Jane (Vaughan) Owen- 1684

    Robert Owen, of Dolserau, came over in the ship Vine, of Liverpool, sailing from Dolyserre, near Dolgules, Merioneth, with his wife, Jane, son Lewis, and a servant boy and four maid servants, and arrived at Philadelphia in Sep. 1684. He had been a Justice of the Peace at Dolserau, near Dolgelly, (and near Bala), Where he was incarcerated five years in the jail because he was a Quaker. He had been the Governor of Beaumaris, and became a Quaker about 1660. When he came over here, he settled on Duck Creek, in New Castle Co., where his son, Edward Owen, who had come over earlier, in Hugh Roberts’s party, in…

  • Help Wanted,  Henss

    John Hall- Revolutionary Mysteries

    I am currently working on a portion of the Henss family and am ‘visiting’ Virginia/ Maryland at the time of the Revolutionary War. The person I am closely examining is a Mister John Hall; his wife is Mary Magdelene Smith. I just love it when the names are so incredibly unique! So here goes, I have three mysteries! Please use our Contact page to let me know if you have any firm data or information to help solve these! Mystery 1 I found a document (located in the National Archives) addressed to ‘some guy’ named George Washington. The document is transcribed as the following in Letters to Washington and Accompanying…

  • Active Research,  Henss

    Keziah Hall (Musgrove)

    Keziah Hall (Musgrove) 1782 In her father’s Will of 1794, Keziah, his youngest child, was given ‘one Negroe Girl named Patt at my wifes death Likewise one Feather Bed & Cow & Calf.’ Since her mother lived to 1833, it is problematical that she ever received her slave. She may have received the bedding and livestock as wedding presents. Keziah, named for her aunt Keziah (Banks) Hall wife of Hezekiah, d. 1811, was married to Benjamin Barton Musgrove 15 December, 1796 at the age of 14. In spite of her youthful marriage, Keziah, according to a family descendant, ‘was quite a woman!’ She was to have a family of twelve…

  • Civil War,  Henss

    25th Iowa Volunteer Infantry- Civil War

    What follows is a brief history of the Civil War Unit in which John Musgrove 3. Sgt. fought and died. A brief visual tour of the Iowa 25th at Vicksburg is also available online on a National Parks website. source 25th Regiment Infantry Organized at Mount Pleasant and mustered in September 27, 1862. Ordered to Helena, Ark., November. Attached to District of Eastern Arkansas, Dept. Missouri, to December, 1862. 3rd Brigade, 1st Division, District of Eastern Arkansas, Dept. Tennessee, December, 1862. 2nd Brigade, 11th Division, Right Wing 13th Army Corps, Dept. Tennessee, December, 1862. 2nd Brigade, 4th Division, Sherman’s Yazoo Expedition, to January, 1863. 2nd Brigade, 1st Division, 15th Army…

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  • Henss

    Isaac & Jackson Allen Family History in 1888

    Source[ref] ManyRoads Iowa Library see p.334 Original Text: Portrait and Biographical Album of Henry County, Iowa Containing Full Page Portraits and Biographical Sketches of Prominent and Representative Citizens of the County, Together with Portraits and Biographies of All the Governors of Iowa, and of the Presidents of the United States. Chicago: Acme Pub., 1888. Print.[/ref] ISAAC W. ALLEN Of Henry Co., Iowa, he resides on Sect. 9, Jefferson Twp., and is engaged in farming. Jackson Allen, father of our subject, came with his family from Clarke Co., OH, in October 1846, and located in Henry County, and filed a claim upon land one mile south of where Wayland now stands.…

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  • Henss,  Iowa

    Wenger Bros. – Wayland, Iowa

    original source: by Dick Barton Wenger Bros., general merchants. The most enterprising firm of young men in the village of Wayland are the brothers, Joseph and Christian C. Wenger, both born in Washington County, Iowa, and are the two eldest sons of Christian and Elizabeth (Goldsmith) Wenger. Christian was born in Switzerland and is a son of Christian and Mary (Roth) Wenger, who emigrated from Germany to Hamburg, Canada, and thence to Washington County, Iowa, making the journey with a team passing through Chicago when that now great city was a village but a trifle larger than Wayland. Settling in 1832, in Marion Township, Washington Co., Iowa, the grandsire of…

  • Europe,  Henss,  Mennonites

    Swiss Mennonite History

    From The European History of the Swiss Mennonites from Volhynia Schrag, Martin H 1956 source web document The early Anabaptists were educated and urban–but the persecution drove them from the cities and towns to the remote and relatively inaccessible highlands and mountain fringes of the fertile areas of the Canton Bern. Here they hid and persisted in spite of persecution, through the centuries to the present time. Persecution, of varying intensity, was the lot of the Swiss Anabaptists (Mennonites) until the middle of the eighteenth century. During the intense periods of persecution many, perhaps most of the Anabaptists, fled to whatever havens of refuge they could find, especially in the…

  • Henss,  ManyRoads,  Mennonites

    Anabaptist Mennonite Tradition & Background

    Much of the Robert Henss family background is rooted in Swiss and Iowa Anabaptist Mennonite traditions.  Many of our forebears were active participants and members of the following congregations. [Please note that this post will be updated as more information is uncovered]. Basel-Holee (Basel Switzerland) Basel-Holee, a Mennonite congregation with a meetinghouse at Holeestrasse 141 in Basel, Switzerland, formerly called Basel-Binningen, the Amish congregation mentioned in the article Basel. The origins of the congregation go back to the middle of the 18th century, a church book containing records of births, marriages, deaths, and baptisms (probably maintained at the request of the state) having been kept from 1777 on (with an…

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  • Henss,  Iowa,  Mennonites

    Rev Johann Eicher II & Margaretta (Conrad) Eicher

    The Rev. Johann (John) Eicher II, husband of Margaretta (Margaret) Conrod, was a native of Pulversheim in the Alsace and Margaret was born in Switzerland. John had charge of a Mennonite congregation in the Alsace and for many years was engaged not only in the ministry, but in farming. Not all of their children came to America; and of those who did, they came singly. First came Jacob, then John Jr., Christian, Daniel, and then Martin Benjamin.  The boys were followed by a sister Annie and her husband, John W. Wittmer; Annie and John had married in Alsace before settling in Wayne County, Ohio.  Jacob returned from the United States…

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