Kolbe Genealogy Blog

Kolbe Book

2011-02-10T20:03:00.002-07:00

I've actually started writing the Kolbe Book! I have about 5 paragraphs written so far. This is going to be a great project. I am very excited and have enlisted the help a few relatives, George Kolbe (my brother in law) and Sue Kolbe (the wife of cousin Joe Kolbe).

I feel very focused. I don't have a time line yet for publication, but do have a lot of ideas yet to put down on paper.

Family History Library in Salt Lake City

2010-09-16T20:14:00.000-07:00

I've spent the past few days at the Family History Library in Salt Lake City. This place is Disneyland for genealogists! I've been focusing on the Kolbe Family, but have checked out a few minor resources on some other lines of mine.

It is so great to be able to walk a few steps to get a microfilm or book I need. No waiting seemingly endless weeks for a film only to find it wasn't as helpful as I thought it might be.

The hours I've spent of eternal microfilm viewing just seem to pass by like nanoseconds. The helpful experts who read and speak multiple foreign languages are a true gift. I simply take the German church record off of the microfilm reader, carry it to them and they translate it right there on the spot. Amazing, truly amazing!

I have actually enjoyed "old fashioned" microfilm viewing. It takes me back to pre-internet days. When a true genealogist was measured by the blisters on their fingers from turning the microfilm handle or the paper cuts on their lips from sending out self-addressed stamped envelopes.

Another important thing about manually scanning microfilms is that you are able to find the names of the people who lived in your ancestor's village or town (possible relatives). Or even find names similar to your family. For example, I found Kulbe, Kulbes and Kolb. Makes me wonder if Kolbe's in the 17 and 1800's had trouble with their name spelling like I do today. Probably.

Watching page after page of deaths roll by on a microfilm screen helps epidemics be quickly spotted. These things are simply not possible with today's technology of typing in a name and watching the record pop up on a computer screen.

The library is open 13 hours a day while I am here and I am in it most of those hours. It really is a great place to visit if you haven't created an opportunity to do so. To be in the biggest genealogy library in the world surrounded by people like you is a dream come true!

This was one of my "bucket list" items. I'm not taking it off the list though it is staying on permanently. That way I can keep coming back again and again and again...

Kyler Thomas Kolbe

2010-09-09T19:54:00.003-07:00

Kyler Thomas Kolbe - my grandson - the newest Kolbe - the great-great-great grandson of Wilhelm and Pauline Kolbe arrived on September 9. Being a grandparent is absolutely wonderful. But I think grandchildren are even more special to those of us who are genealogists. We love knowing the path our ancestors took so the child could be with us.

We anxiously await the special day not only so we can meet our grandchild, but secretly we can't wait to officially record the birth date and place in our records.

Kyler was born 120 years after Wilhelm left Germany to provide a better life for his family in America. Now to see the results of Wilhelm and Pauline's dream. What would they would think to see their dream come true?

I wonder what my great-great-great grandchild will be like? What will their name be? Where will they live?

We all have a lot to thank our ancestors for...the dreams they had and the journeys they took to leave their dreams to us.

Emil Kolbe's Shooting Part 5 - Family Stories

2010-03-24T09:38:00.006-07:00

Family events develop into separate, distinct stories as years and families grow distant.

When family members leave and create their own new families, the stories go with them and are passed to their children and so on, much like DNA. It makes sense that the stories change through all the people and all the years.

Later when a document or other evidence appears that may challenge one's perception of a story they held for their whole life it may cause some uneasiness.

The document or evidence doesn't mean that anyone was wrong in their perception or belief. It is meant to help shed light on the event, not to judge the story that has been passed down.

Emil Kolbe's Shooting Part 4 - Family Feedback

2010-03-24T08:13:00.010-07:00

I emailed the newspaper article to Kolbe family members all over the country and the response was great. Emails were "flying" all over the country:

"Amazing find. Amazing story...the written English of the time is just a little weird people do not really use phrasing like that anymore..."

"Amazing nugget of historic gold" I can see the scene as I had the opportunity to be in the remains of the store one time. It makes things come alive."

"Interesting that the news brief referred to the 2 bad guys as ‘visitors.’"

"This is fun."

"This is like a Nancy Drew mystery."

This newspaper article brought up some different views on the event:

1. Joe, Emil's oldest grandson, recalls that there was a second shooting in 1932 or 1933; a much more serious shooting in the throat that led to the decline of Emil's health.

2. Uncle Carl, who was born in 1917 (now age 92) is pretty sure he was in 6th or 7th grade when it happened. This would make the shooting around 1930 or 1931 instead of 1922. Carl recalls there were two attempted robberies. One time Emil was shot and the other time a young kid (perhaps on drugs) with a gun came in the drug store, and Emil pushed him out the door.

I've written the Detroit Police to check for any possible surviving police report. Also I've ordered the Detroit newspapers for the 1922 timeframe to see what else might be available.

Emil Kolbe's Shooting Part 3 - The Newspaper Article!

2010-03-21T10:10:00.005-07:00

THE ARTICLE!

Lisa Louise Cooke read my blog and graciously emailed me the full article!

THANK YOU LISA!

Reading the article, I noted details that were amazingly close to the story Uncle Carl had relayed: Emil was alone in the store and he opened his mouth to call for help when he was shot through his cheek. Wow - think of the split-second timing that kept that bullet away from his teeth, tongue or even other vital organs. I wonder if the bullet was ever found.

The fact that three shots were fired into the crowd that pursued the criminals was a new detail. I hope no one was injured.

I'll send a copy of this article to the Detroit Police when requesting a copy of the police report. Hopefully one exists.

Emil Kolbe's Shooting Part 2 - Finding the shooting date!

2010-03-21T08:30:00.010-07:00

SUCCESS!!!

The shooting date is found!

I listened to The Genealogy Gems Premium Podcast Episode 37 about newspaper research. Lisa Louise Cooke's "gem" about expanding a search outside a target area really paid off.

At genealogybank.com, I entered Kolbe as a search word and was stunned when an article dated October 17, 1922 for the Kalamazoo (Michigan) Gazette came up. The headline stated, "Druggist Shot By Holdup Men Bullet Penetrates Cheek Without Striking Man's Teeth or Tongue". The article snippet mentions Emil B. Kolbe.

Now I know the shooting date. Since I don't have a subscription to genealogybank.com and neither does my local library, I ordered the Detroit News and Detroit Free Press for October and November 1922 through interlibrary loan. I also plan on contacting the Detroit Police to see if a police report still exists for this crime.

Reflecting on the crime made me realize what a miracle that Emil wasn't killed or seriously maimed after being shot in the face! Why did the criminals rob him - money, drugs or both? Did they ever get caught? What effect did the crime have on the family? Questions that will have to wait for future research.

Emil Kolbe's Shooting Part 1

2010-03-21T07:45:00.007-07:00

Success on breaking down one of my minor brick walls!

In my August 25, 2009 blogpost I mentioned that my father in law said that Emil Kolbe was shot during a robbery of his drugstore. No one in the family seemed to recall the date or exact details of the event. I thought that a newspaper article might shed some light on things. So the brick wall became finding a newspaper article (if one existed). But in order to do that I would obviously need at least the approximate date of the shooting.

On September 5, 2009, I interviewed Emil's son, Carl, now age 92. He recalled that the shooting happened when he was in the 6th or 7th grade. He was on stage at Holy Redeemer parish for some type of celebration (75^th?). Someone told him his dad had been shot. The details were as follows: Emil was alone in the drugstore and two men came in and held him up. Emil's hands were up and he saw someone go by outside and hollered for help. The robber not holding the gun said, “Shoot the son of a bitch”. So the gunman shot Emil in his open mouth and the bullet came out through his cheek. Carl believes it was the left cheek. Carl believes the police came and that there was an article in the Detroit News and the Detroit Free Press. Carl still has the program from the Holy Redeemer event.

Dr. Rieg who lived next door cared for the bullet wound. According to Uncle Carl, "Dr. Rieg cleaned the wound with "a stick with cotton on the end of it and it would come through the hole." Apparently this shooting led to a scar tissue growth in Emil's mouth that may have interfered with his breathing; he was known to be a heavy snorer and he had apnea.

***Note: Upon reviewing the 1920 census for the Kolbe Family (see September 8, 2009 blog post), there was a Dr. J. F. Rieg two doors down.

Next: Emil Kolbe's Shooting Part 2 - Finding the shooting date!

Genea-lympics

2010-02-23T19:34:00.002-07:00

One of the fun things about watching the Olympics is seeing the names of the foreign athletes, particularly the countries where my ancestors came from. Thinking about how our "American" names have changed over the generations amazes me!

Family History Expo in Mesa, Arizona

2010-01-24T13:51:00.004-07:00

The past two days were a genealogist's dream. I attended the Family History Expo in Mesa, Arizona. Genealogy conventions are such a great way to learn so much new information. Improving your research techniques, networking with other genealogists, discovering new information available in the web are some of the benefits of attending a convention.

I got to meet Lisa Louise Cooke and her daughter, Lacey. Lisa hosts Genealogy Gems. I also attended the banquet in which Lisa conducted a live genealogy podcast. It was a fabulous evening.

I attended 11 classes, 3 of them taught by Baerbel Johnson, an expert in German research. I learned so much from her.

This was the second convention I've ever attended, but it won't be my last!

Paul Kolbe's Death Information

2009-11-23T00:01:00.007-07:00

Paul Kolbe's Holy Cross Cemetery burial card listed his date of death and burial. However, a mystery emerged - his cause of death was listed as gas asphyxiation. Cousin Sue said Paul had committed suicide. My mother in law said she had never heard that he had taken his own life. More research to do. Perhaps his death certificate and/or a newspaper article might be helpful.

Paul Kolbe died on October 15, 1928 and was buried on October 17. This fits into the suggested death time frame of 1920 to 1930 as he was listed in the 1920 census, but not in the 1930 census. (See the October 10, 2009 blog entry).

Thinking about Paul's possible suicide I noticed that he passed away 3 months after his mother. Perhaps he was depressed due to her death. Maybe he had financial difficulties; Cousin Sue said that Paul was the manager of the Belle Isle Casino.

Suicide rates in the U.S. for 1920-1928 were about 12%, then rose sharply following the market crash in 1929 and subsequent depression. The current rate is about 11% and has decreased about 2% since 1950. Perhaps increased depression/suicide screening helps people avoid that decision.

Next: Holy Cross Cemetery Wrap-Up

Cemetery Surprise-A Previously Unknown Kolbe

2009-11-13T00:01:00.001-07:00

The Holy Cross Cemetery cards contained a surprise - a previously unknown Kolbe family member. Buried in the plot along with William and Pauline Kolbe was a premature baby named Bert. He died and was buried on July 14, 1914. Since he was named Bert, I assume he was a child of Berthold and Margaret, although I can't be sure without a death certificate-another future project.

I reflected on premature births these days and how many infants do live. The current survival rate for babies born at 7 months is greater than 90%, and infants born at 6 months is about 50-90%. Baby Bert would have probably lived if he had been born within the past 25 years or so.

I also came to realize that many children are not represented in the census returns because they are born and die in between enumeration years.

Next: Paul Kolbe's Death Information

William and Pauline Kolbe's Death Information

2009-11-11T12:51:00.001-07:00

Sue Kolbe had burial cards from Holy Cross Cemetery in Detroit, Michigan. These cards provided a lot of valuable information such as: age at death, cause of death, birthplace, cemetery plot, address of the deceased, and undertaker.

William Kolbe died on August 31, 1913 and was buried on September 3. This fits into the suggested death timeframe of 1910 to 1920 as he was listed in the 1920 census, but not in the 1920 census. (See the September 28, 2009 blog entry).

Pauline Kolbe died on July 9, 1928 and was buried on July 12. This fits into the suggested death timeframe of 1920 to 1930 as she was listed in the 1920 census, but not in the 1930 census. (See the September 28, 2009 blog entry).

Now that I knew their death dates and places, I could obtain a copy of their death certificates. Hopefully the death certificate will contain the names of their parents!

NOTE: If you are interested in additional information about Holy Cross Cemetery, a new book, "Detroit's Holy Cross Cemetery"is available November 30, 2009 from Arcadia Publishing. The author, Elaine Walters Raymo, will be featured in future blog posts.

Next: Cemetery Surprise-A Previously Unknown Kolbe

Family Collaboration and Brick Walls

2009-11-09T06:19:00.004-07:00

I contacted my husband's cousin, Sue Kolbe, who is also a genealogy buff. She shared information she had found on the Kolbe line which was very helpful and helped me tear down a few of those "brick walls."

Genealogists use the term brick wall to describe a spot where their research has been temporarily halted due to unsuccessful attempts to uncover a piece (or pieces) of information. Brick walls stop the forward progress in researching a particular family line.

Brick walls can be short lived or last for decades. And just like a real brick walls, there are many ways to get past one. You can go over, under, or around it. It can be blown up or disassembled one brick at a time.

My collaboration with Sue was very helpful. The next few posts will outline some of the information I obtained from her.

Next: William and Pauline Kolbe's death information

Margaret!

2009-10-28T14:58:00.007-07:00

Today was a great day in my research! I was able to connect with a family member. She is in her 80's and is so knowledgeable about family information.

I had learned about her a few years ago through a distant relative, Elaine who said, "You must talk to Margaret. She has a lot of information." I tried for two years to reach Margaret who lives 2000 miles and 3 time zones away. Knowing that older people are best in the morning, I tried again this morning and she answered the phone! I was in my glory!

We talked for an hour (I was late to work), but she was a walking encyclopedia about the family history. I jotted notes as fast as I could while she answered questions and recounted the family memories. To be honest, I really couldn't keep up with her. I was most amazed how she recalled names, dates, hospitals, cemeteries, street names just off the top of her head. All without the aid of a computer.

What an inspirational woman! Not only is she in her 80's, but she is facing some serious health issues and still manages to volunteer at a local hospital and do quilting.

I now have lots of leads to follow up on. She said she would be glad to talk to me again. All I can say is I was so fortunate I was able to talk to her today.

Talking to the oldest members of our family is really more important than any other type of research we do. Today I got more information from her that I could have in several years of other types of research!

Next: Family Collaboration and Brick Walls

My Son's Family History Interest

2009-10-23T09:41:00.002-07:00

Recently, my son and I were flying home from attending a memorial service for a family member who unexpectedly passed away at a fairly young age. Midway home, he asked me a question that somewhat surprised me, "Mom, do you know when other people in our family died and what they died from?"

The reason this surprised me is because I've researched and recorded our family history nearly all of my son's life. This taught me that while we assume other people know we are family historians, they probably don't know we are.

I also realized at that moment that our children are generally not interested in family history until they are adults and/or close family members die.

Next: Family Collaboration

Recap: Emma Kolbe Maloney

2009-10-15T05:24:00.007-07:00

Known:

Emma was born in Germany (or Sielisea or Slazen) in the month of July in 1881 (1910 census), 1882 (1900, 1920 census), or 1890 (1930 census)
She immigrated to the US about 1890 (1910, 1920 census) or 1895 (1930 census)
She married Mr. Maloney sometime between 1920 and 1930
She worked as a bakery saleslady in 1900, bakery clerk in 1910, tea shop saleswoman in 1920, and a saleswoman in a drugstore in 1930. Perhaps her brother, Emil's, drugstore?
She became naturalized in 1900 (per the 1920 census)
She died after 1930
Mr. Maloney died sometime between 1920 and 1930

Unknown:

Their marriage date/place
Their death dates/places
Mr. Maloney's first name and his family information

Next: My son's family history interest

Recap: Berthold and Margaret Kolbe

2009-10-14T00:01:00.002-07:00

Known:

Berthold was born in Germany in the month of November in 1877 (1910 census) or 1878 (1900, 1920, 1930 census)
Margaret was born in Canada about 1891 (1920 census) or 1892 (1930 census)
They married about 1913
Margaret's father was James Wilson and her siblings were William and Hazel
Berthold immigrated to the US about 1880 (1920 census) or 1890
Berthold was naturalized in 1899 according to the 1920 census
Berthold worked as a baker
They both died after 1930

Unknown:

Their marriage date/place
Their death dates/places
Margaret's complete family information

Next: Recap: Emma Kolbe Maloney

Recap: Emil and Lillian Kolbe

2009-10-12T00:01:00.000-07:00

Known:

Emil was born in Germany in the month of February in 1874 (1910 census), 1875 (1930 census) or 1876 (1900, 1920 census)
Lillian was born in Michigan about 1888
They married about 1914
They had 5 children: William, Carl, George, Joseph, and Victor
Emil immigrated to the US about 1890
Emil was naturalized in 1896 according to the 1920 census
Emil worked as a pharmacist (druggist)
They both died after 1930

Unknown:

Their marriage date/place
Their death dates/places
Lillian's family information

Next: Recap: Berthold and Margaret Kolbe

Recap: Paul Kolbe

2009-10-10T00:01:00.000-07:00

Known:

He was born in Germany (or Sielisea or Slazen) in the month of April in 1872 (1910 census), 1873 (1920 census) or 1875 (1900 census)
He probably died between 1920-1930 (he was listed in the 1920 census, but not the 1930 census)
He immigrated to the US about 1890
He was naturalized before 1900 (according to the 1900 census)
He was employed in the bakery business

Unknown:

His death date/place
Whether or not he was ever married

Next: Recap: Emil and Lillian Kolbe

Recap: Herman & Anna Kolbe

2009-10-09T00:01:00.001-07:00

Known:

Herman was born in Germany in the month of November in 1870 (1910 census), 1871 (1920, 1930 censuses) or 1872 (1900 census)
Anna was born in Germany about 1866 (1930 census), 1868 (1910 census) or 1870 (1920 census)
They married about 1897
Anna may have had 4 children, with 1 of them alive in 1910
Herman immigrated to the US about 1884 (1910 census) or 1890 (1920 census)
Anna immigrated to the US in 1886 (1930 census) or 1888 (1910 census)
They were both naturalized in 1900 (Anna would have been naturalized with Herman's naturalization)
Herman initially worked in the bakery business and beginning in 1910 was the proprietor of a grocery store
They both died after 1930

Unknown:

Their marriage date/place
Their death dates/places
Anna's maiden name and her parental information

Next: Recap: Paul Kolbe

Recap: Ida Kolbe

2009-10-01T22:06:00.007-07:00

Known:

She was born in Germany (or Sielisea or Slazen) in the month of August in 1870 (1900, 1910, 1920 census) or 1885 (1930 census)
She died after 1930
She immigrated to the US about 1890 (1910, 1920 census) or 1895 (1930 census)
She was naturalized in 1900 according to the 1910 census
She was employed in the bakery and restaurant business

Unknown:

Her death date/place
Whether or not she was ever married

Next: Recap-Herman and Anna Kolbe

Recap: Hedwig (Hattie) and William Hackenberger

2009-09-30T00:01:00.009-07:00

Known:

Hedwig was born in Germany in the month of March in 1868 (1910, 1930 census), 1869 (1920 census) or 1879 (1900 census)
She immigrated to the US about 1888 (1900, 1910 census), 1889 (1930 census) or 1890 (1920 census)
She had 6 children of whom 5 survived
William was born in Germany in the month of July in 1863 (1900 census) or 1865 (1910, 1920, 1930 census)
He immigrated to the US about 1869 (1900, 1920, 1930 census) or 1870 (1910 census)
They married about 1889
They both died after 1930
William worked in the feed business between 1900-1910

Unknown:

Their marriage date/place
Their death dates/places
William's parents names

Next: Recap: Ida Kolbe

Recap: William & Pauline Kolbe

2009-09-28T00:01:00.003-07:00

OK, so all the available censuses have been "mined" for information. I analyzed this information and developed a recap of known and unknown which I will post for each family member:

Known:

William Kolbe was born in Germany about February 1835
Pauline was born in Germany (or Sielisea or Slazen) about 1837-1838 in the month of December
They married about 1864
William worked as a baker from 1900 to 1910
Pauline may have had 9 children, with either 7 or 9 of them surviving to adulthood. The 1900 census indicates 7 of 9 have survived and the 1910 census indicates 9 of 9 have survived
William died sometime between 1910 and 1920
Pauline died after 1920

Unknown:

Their birth dates/places
Their death dates/places
Their marriage date/place (it was probably in Germany)
Sielisea/Slazen and its connection to Germany
If Pauline did have 9 children, what happened to the 2 children not listed in the censuses?
When and where William filed his naturalization declaration of intent (also known as first papers). The 1900 census indicates he had already filed them, so it was sometime prior to that.

Next: Recap: Hedwig (Hattie) and William Hackenberger

Brief Census Recap

2009-09-27T00:01:00.004-07:00

OK, so now I've reviewed the censuses that apply to the Kolbe Family: 1900, 1910, 1920 and 1930. The 1940 census won't be available until 2012 because census information is held confidential for 72 years. The 1890 census was destroyed by fire in 1921 (except for very few fragments).

I could research earlier censuses on the Hackenberger Family, but am choosing not to at this time as my focus is the Kolbe Family. I will, however, research those other census returns in the future.

My next series of blog posts will analyze what I have and haven't learned from the censuses.

Next: Recap - William and Pauline Kolbe

1930 Census - Joseph Hackenberger

2009-09-26T00:01:00.005-07:00

Joseph Hackenberger has gotten married and is living with his wife, Lea, at 3499 Beniteau. They are living with Lea's parents, Frederick and Lysem Beauchamp. So Lea's maiden name was Beauchamp. Good-more information to work with. Joseph works as a clerk in a county building.

Three roomers also live in the house, Leo L. Waldhier, Victor Schaffer, and William Conway. I'm not sure if they are family members or not, so more research will be needed.

Next: Recap - What Have I Learned From The Censuses?

1930 Census - Frank Hackenberger

2009-09-24T00:01:00.001-07:00

Frank Hackenberger has gotten married and is living with his wife, Hazel, at 3709 Buckingham Rd. Also living with them is their son, William, and a sister-in-law, Grace Mason. Grace is probably Hazel's sister. So Hazel's maiden name might be Mason, unless Mason is Grace's married name. Another clue. Frank is working for a stove company as an auditor. He was born in Michigan as was his wife and son.

Next: 1930 Census - Joseph Hackenberger

1930 Census - Hattie Hackenberger

2009-09-22T00:01:00.002-07:00

Hattie Hackenberger has gotten married and is living with her husband, W. Walter Heathfield at 3466 Algonquin Avenue. They were both born in Michigan and Walter is a salesman for an automobile company. No children are listed living with them.

Next: 1930 Census - Frank Hackenberger

1930 Census - Emil Hackenberger

2009-09-20T00:01:00.000-07:00

Emil Hackenberger has gotten married and is living with his wife, Irene, at 1388 Drexel Ave. They have 2 daughters, Mary C. and Margaret N. Emil is an electrician. He was born in Germany, immigrated in 1890, and is naturalized.

Next: 1930 Census - Hattie Hackenberger

1930 Census - Berthold and Margaret Kolbe

2009-09-19T00:01:00.003-07:00

Berthold and Margaret have moved and are now living at 12224 Flanders Ave. with Margaret's father, James Wilson.

Berthold is a baker at a retail bakery. He was born in Germany, immigrated to the U.S. in 1893 and is naturalized.

Next:1930 Census - Emil Hackenberger

1930 Census - Emil and Lillian Kolbe

2009-09-17T00:01:00.000-07:00

Emil and Lillian have moved to 1740 Campbell Avenue. They now have 5 sons: William A., Carl L., George E. (my father-in-law), Joseph R., and Victor F. Emil still owns a drugstore. He was born in Germany, immigrated to the U.S. in 1890 and is naturalized.

Living in the same house is Mathilda Randall and her 4 sons: Louis R., James K., Eugene and Roger. Mathilda is divorced. These people are probably relatives of Emil or Lillian. I'll have to research them later.

Next: 1930 Census-Berthold and Margaret Kolbe

1930 Census-Herman and Anna Kolbe

2009-09-15T08:00:00.001-07:00

Herman and Anna are living at 3501 Kantner Ave. Perhaps they have moved or the city has changed the house numbering system. No other families are living at that address.

Herman owns a grocery store. His immigration year is listed as 1890. He is naturalized and his place of birth is Germany.

Next: 1930 Census-Emil and Lillian Kolbe

1930 Census-Hedwig (Hattie) anad William Hackenberger

2009-09-13T00:01:00.001-07:00

Hedwig (Hattie) and William Hackenberger are living at 3215 Canton Ave. They have moved or the city has changed the house numbering system. They are living with Meta and Harry Maher, their daughter and grandson. Meta is a widow.

Hattie's year of immigration is listed as 1889, William's as 1869. Their birthplace is Germany and both are naturalized. Their other children: Emil, Hattie, Frank, and Joseph must be listed elsewhere.

Next: 1930 Census-Herman and Anna Kolbe

1930 Census-Ida Kolbe and Emma Kolbe Maloney

2009-09-11T00:01:00.000-07:00

The 1930 census shows Ida (now listed with a middle initial of A.) and Emma living at 2045 Wabash Avenue. I wonder if they have moved or perhaps the City of Detroit has renumbered the houses? They are the only ones living in the house now. Emma is listed as Emma Maloney and she is widowed. So sometime between 1920 and 1930 Emma got married and then her husband, Mr. Maloney died. I do recall my mother-in-law saying, "One of them married a Hackenberger and one married a Maloney." That confirms her story. Hedwig (Hattie) married Hackenberger and Emma married Maloney. More information to research:

When did Emma get married?
What was Mr. Maloney's first name?
When did Mr. Maloney die?

Ida is working as a checker in a restaurant, and Emma is working as a salesman (sic) in a drug store. I am thinking perhaps her brother, Emil's, dugstore. 1895 is listed as their year of immigration to the U.S. The census indicates that they both became naturalized in 1895. More inconsistencies regarding their immigration year and naturalization years.

The place of birth for Ida and Emma is recorded as Slazen (or Slasaj) Germany. Yet another mystery!

Is Slazen Germany another name for Sielesia (from the 1920 census)?
Is Slazen Germany different from Sielesia?

Next: 1930 Census-Hedwig (Hattie) and William Hackenberger

1920 Census-Berthold Kolbe

2009-09-09T08:00:00.001-07:00

Berthold has gotten married and is living at 973 Meldrum Ave. with his wife, Margaret. They are living with Margaret's father, James Wilson, and two of Margaret's siblings, Hazel and William.

Living next door at 975 Meldrum is Mary Kolbe and her daughter, Janice. I wonder who they might be? I had not heard of a Mary Kolbe from any of my husband's family. Since families tend to travel together, perhaps she is related to "our" Kolbe Family somehow. I'll have to keep these people in mind when researching.

Berthold is a baker at a bread company and Margaret is a saleslady for a bread company. He was born in Germany, immigrated to the U.S. in 1880 and became naturalized in 1899.

Next: 1930 Census Ida Kolbe and Emma Kolbe Maloney

1920 Census-Emil and Lillian Kolbe

2009-09-08T08:00:00.000-07:00

Emil has gotten married and is living at 681 Dix Avenue with his wife, Lillian. They have 4 sons: William A., Carl L., George E. (my father-in-law), and Joseph R.

Emil is a druggist with his own store. He was born in Germany, immigrated to the U.S. in 1890 and became naturalized in 1896.

Next: 1920 Census-Berthold Kolbe

1920 Census-Herman and Anna Kolbe

2009-09-07T08:00:00.006-07:00

Herman (now with a middle initial of A.) and Anna are still living at 121 Kantner Ave. There are several families at this address, so it must be some type of multi-family unit. The other people living there don't appear to be related family members, but I'll keep them in mind because people tend to stay close to family and/or friends.

He is a salesman at a grocery. He was born in Germany, immigrated to the U.S. in 1890 and became naturalized in 1900.

Next: 1920 Census-Emil Kolbe

Uncle Carl/Cousin Joe/German Restaurant

2009-09-06T06:14:00.008-07:00

I'm sneaking in a post to report on current genealogy activities. Yesterday I called and spoke with the oldest Kolbe in my husband's tree, Uncle Carl. He is 92 years old and has a wonderful recollection of family information. My hand could barely keep up with his information as I feverishly took notes during our conversation!

Then I called and spoke to a Kolbe cousin, Joe, in Colorado. That was fun!

Later that evening, my husband and I went to a local German restaurant, Haus Murphy's, to embrace some of the food and drink his ancestors enjoyed. There were two fellows playing German songs on the tuba and accordion. It was delicious food, drink and great fun!

1920 Census-Hedwig (Hattie) and William Hackenberger

2009-09-05T08:00:00.003-07:00

Hedwig (Hattie) and William Hackenberger have moved to 793 Canton Ave. All 5 children still live with them. William's occupation is listed as none. Hattie's year of immigration to the U.S. is listed as 1890, William's as 1869. They have both filed their first naturalization papers. Hattie probably didn't actually file any paperwork for naturalization. That is because foreign-born females automatically became naturalized when their husbands did.

Their son, Emil, works as an electrician and the census now lists his birthplace as Germany with an immigration year of 1890. He has also filed his first naturalization papers. The 1900 and 1910 census listed his birthplace as Michigan. This raises some interesting questions:

Was Emil born in Germany or in Michigan?
If he was born in Germany, did he immigrate with the Kolbe Family in 1890?
A review of the 1900 census indicated he was born in September 1889. If the 1889 year is accurate, he was probably born in Germany and immigrated with the Kolbe Family in 1890. This raises questions of when and where Hattie and William were married. More questions to research...

Next: 1920 Census-Herman and Anna Kolbe

1920 Census-Pauline, Ida, Emma and Paul Kolbe

2009-09-03T20:00:00.000-07:00

The 1920 census shows Pauline, Ida, Emma and Paul still living at 251 Wabash Avenue. Pauline is now widowed, meaning that William passed away sometime between 1910 and 1920. Ida and Emma are both working as saleswomen in a tea shop and Paul is a baker in a bakery. 1890 is still listed as their year of immigration to the U.S. The census indicates that these 4 became naturalized in 1900.

The place of birth for Pauline, Ida, Emma and Paul is recorded as Sielisea.

Now that threw me for a loop! Several questions about Sielisea popped into my mind:

Is it another name for Germany?
Did the census taker spell it correctly?
Is it perhaps a city or area in Germany?
Is it connected somehow to Schoenwalde (Emil's birthplace?)

I'm afraid that now I'll have to begin some of that German genealogy learning curve I've been afraid of.

Next: 1920 Census-Hedwig (Hattie) and William Hackenberger

1910 Census

2009-09-01T13:40:00.001-07:00

The 1910 census shows the family still living at 251 Wabash Avenue. William is retired, Emil is a pharmacist and Paul owns his own bakery. Ida, Berthold and Emma are all bakery clerks, perhaps in Paul's bakery? Everyone, including Pauline, can speak English. The entire family arrived in the U.S. in 1890. Paul, Emil and Berthold have become naturalized. The record indicates that Pauline has had 9 children and 9 are living. So the 2 children that were not living in the 1900 census are now living. Hmmm...probably an inaccuracy, which is very common in the censuses.

Herman has gotten married and is living at 121 Kantner Ave. with his wife Anna. The record indicates they got married about 1903 and that Anna has had 4 children, 1 is living, but no child was listed as living with them. The record also indicates neither Herman nor Anna had a previous spouse. He is the proprietor of a retail grocery store. His immigration year is listed as 1884 (or perhaps 1887-it is hard to see clearly.)

Hedwig (Hattie) and William Hackenberger have moved to 251 Watson St. and now have 5 children: Emil, Meta (perhaps this is Madie from the 1900 census), Hattie, Frank, and Joseph. The census indicates Hedwig is the mother of 6 children of whom 5 are living. William is a feed driver. Hattie's year of immigration to the U.S. is still listed as 1888, William's as 1870.

Next: 1920 Census

1900 Census

2009-08-30T07:27:00.020-07:00

Since I was very familiar using censuses, I began searching the Detroit census returns. Knowing that the family arrived in 1890, I started with the 1900 census and found them listed as Colbe. This "misspelling" was not a surprise to me. My entire married life I have dealt with people wanting to spell Kolbe as Colby (like Colby cheese.) After all, that's how it sounds. By the way, Colby cheese is named for Colby, Wisconsin where it was developed in 1874.

In 1900 William, age 65 and Pauline, age 62 and 6 of their children lived at 251 Wabash Avenue. Everyone was born in Germany. William's occupation was listed as a baker. The children, ranging in ages 18-29, all had occupations in the bakery industry, except Emil who was a druggist. It is noted that everyone could speak English except Pauline.

Another daughter named Hedwig (Hattie), age 31, (also born in Germany) lived with her husband William Hackenberger at 553 E. Antoine St. and their 4 children: Emil, Madie, Hattie, and Frank. William's occupation was listed as a feedman. According to the census, Hedwig and William were married about 1889 and their son Emil was born in September 1889 in Michigan. Hedwig's year of immigration to the U.S. was listed as 1888 and William's as 1869. This leads to several unanswered questions:

Did Hedwig come to the U.S. before the rest of her family?
Where did Hedwig and William get married?

So here is what I knew about the Kolbe Family members:

William was born February 1835 and Pauline was born December 1837; they were married about 1864. William emigrated from Germany to the United States in 1891 and had filed his first naturalization papers. Their children's names and birth information:

Ida - August 1870 (daughter)

Herman - November 1872 (son)

Paul - April 1875 (son)

Emil - February 1876 (son)

Berthold - November 1878 (son, although listed as Bertha, a daughter in this census)

Hedwig (Hattie) - March 1879 (daughter)

Emma - July 1882 (daughter)

The census indicated Pauline had given birth to 9 children and 7 were currently living. That added a mystery to solve-when were those other 2 children born and where did they die? I also knew that census information may be inaccurate, so I would keep an open mind when doing future research.

Next time: 1910 Census

Getting Serious

2009-08-27T00:01:00.000-07:00

I started getting serious about tackling the German genealogy learning curve. So I pulled out those old scribbled notes I made while talking to my father-in-law. Then I contacted some of my husband's cousins and discovered that they had in fact, done some research on their Kolbe line. Yeah! So now I knew a little more than George's recollection.

I also asked my mother-in-law, Theresa, if she knew anything about George's grandparents and aunts and uncles. She had a little information, but as far as she knew, no documented family tree existed.

So I jumped into the German research, not realizing how exciting and challenging it would be!

Father-In-Law's Recollections

2009-08-25T00:01:00.000-07:00

George's (my father-in-law) recollections included:

His father, Emil Kolbe, was born in Schoenwalde, Germany and came to the United States (Detroit, Michigan) in 1890 with his whole family. He became a pharmacist and owned his own drugstore in Detroit where he and his wife, Lillian Landrie, raised their 5 sons: William, Carl, George, Joseph, and Victor. A few years before Emil died, he was shot during a robbery of his drugstore.

Unfortunately, I didn't get any information from George about his grandparents or aunts and uncles. He also mentioned something about, "that area of Germany being Poland now" but I didn't think it was relevant, so I didn't explore that very important detail which would have saved me a lot of time later.

Reluctant Genealogist

2009-08-23T00:01:00.000-07:00

I know, I know. You are probably thinking, "A reluctant genealogist?" Yes it's true. There were several reasons I was reluctant to research my husband's genealogy:

I'd never done any German research and didn't want to tackle the German genealogy learning curve.
I knew none of his family's folklore because I obviously didn't grow up in his family.
The only German words I knew were guten tag (hello), auf wiedersehen (goodbye), danke schoen (thank you), gesundheit (bless you), and dummkopf (fool; idiot).

Several years before my father-in-law, George Kolbe, passed away I briefly questioned him about his roots. Unfortunately I didn't ask many detailed questions. That is really a shame because now that I am doing German research, I sure would like to be able to ask him those questions.

Beginnings - "What about Dad's side of the tree?"

2009-08-21T00:01:00.001-07:00

A few years ago, I started researching my husband's German genealogy. My own family tree had been the target of my research efforts since I was in high school. After hitting many "brick walls" I felt the desire to search something new so it made sense to look into his genealogy. After all, my children might someday ask, "What about Dad's side of the tree?"