German Immigrant Ancestors
On the maternal line of my grandmother, Hilma Catherine Dohrman-Jolly, I can confidently say that all of our immigrant ancestors came from what is now Germany. Intrigued by this family history, I decided to delve into researching and crafting a blog post about these forbearers. Initially expecting this to be a brief endeavor, further investigation revealed a remarkable count of 12 direct line ancestors who were born in Germany and made the journey to the United States.
German immigrants sought refuge in the United States during the early to mid-1800s for diverse reasons. The persisting feudal system in their homeland imposed restrictions on ordinary citizens, requiring permission for marriage, travel, and relocation, while religious freedom was curtailed. Overpopulation compounded the issue, shrinking available land for family farming. The unstable political climate resulting from the failure of the Revolution of 1848 and the power struggle between Prussia and Austria further fueled the desire to seek a better life elsewhere.
Amidst these challenges, Germans began learning about the promise of a brighter future in America. In the 1820’s, Gottfried Duden wrote glowing reports about the favorable land, waterways, and climate in Missouri. Later, in 1834, J.P. Dewis published “Guter Rath an Einwanderer in die Vereinigten Staaten von Nordamerika” (“Good Advice for Emigrants to the United States of North America”), contributing to the growing awareness of the opportunities awaiting them across the Atlantic.
Jürgen and Catharina immigrated in 1844 with their six children, including my 3rd great grandmother, Catherine. The 1850 U.S. Federal Census records the family living in the Mill Creek Township of Morgan County, Missouri. Jürgen’s occupation is farming and the value of his property is $400.
Jürgen’s stone is lying on the ground, partially buried. If I’m able to revisit the cemetery, I’ll capture a better photograph, enabling me to fully translate the inscription.
Catherine and Johann married shortly after her immigration on 16 August, 1844, at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Cole Camp, Missouri. Both born in Friedrichsdorf, Germany, although immigrating at different times, it appears their families may have been acquainted in Germany, which likely played a role in bringing them together. Their union resulted in the birth of six children into their family.
By the 1860 U.S. Federal Census, the couple and their 4 youngest children are living in the Flat Creek Township of Pettis County, Missouri. Although the 1850 Census did not specify townships, the continuity of neighbors between 1850 and 1860 suggests that the Dohrmans likely remained in the same location. Notably, in 1860, Johann and his 15-year old son are both recorded as farmers and the value of Johann’s property has quadrupled to $800.
The American Civil War erupted in April 1861, and within a very short time, my ancestors found themselves thrust into its midst during the Battle of Cole Camp. On June 11 and 12, 1861, in Benton County, Missouri, over 900 locals - primarily German immigrants who staunchly opposed slavery and supported the Union cause - volunteered to join the Home Guard. Their purpose, at the advice of Union General Nathaniel Lyon, was to protect their homes and families.
Tragically, less than one week later on June 19th, 1861, the Home Guard came under attack as they slept in a barn. Johann Heinrich Dohrman was killed during the attack. Johann Heinrich Brunkhorst sustained injuries in the attack and died six days later. A more in-depth blog post about this battle will be written at a later time.
Martin and Katharina, along with their four children (including my 2nd great grandmother, Catharina Christiana Hansen), immigrated as a family, arriving in New York, New York on April 30, 1866. They voyaged on the SS Erin, a steamship capable of carrying up to 1200 passengers, and the journey across the seas spanned up to eighteen days.
Four years after immigrating, the 1870 U.S. Federal Census shows the entire family living in the Richland Township of Morgan County, Missouri. Martin is working as a farmer and the value of his property is $1000. On top of that, the census proudly declares Martin a "male citizen over 21". This likely means he is a naturalized citizen, but adds a touch of patriotic flair to his story!
Katharina passed away in 1875 and in both the 1880 and 1900 U.S. Federal Census, Martin is residing with his daughter Matilda. (A noteworthy aside: the 1890 U.S. Federal Census was unfortunately lost in a fire and remains unavailable.) Martin’s own journey ended in 1908, and he found his final resting place beside his wife in Florence, Missouri at United Church of Christ Cemetery.
Martin and Katharina Hansen's Headstone (photo taken by Jenny McElhany 2015)
In 1871, the couple married and went on to have 8 children - 6 girls and 2 boys. U.S. Federal Census records spanning from 1880 to 1910 show the family living in Florence, Missouri. During this period, Christian worked diligently as a farmer, owning his own land. Fast forward to the 1920 Census, and we find Christian having retired by the age of 77.
The 1900 Census records indicate Christian had obtained status as a naturalized citizen. Naturalization is the process where an individual born in another country acquires citizenship. From the late 1700’s through most of the 1900’s, the naturalization process for most men required two steps. After living in the U.S. for two years, a male, like Christian, would file initial papers to start the process. Then after a period of three years, the individual could file a petition for naturalization. At the time of Christian’s naturalization, a woman’s citizenship status was determined by her father or husband’s status.
Christian passed away first in 1925 and his death certificate attributes the cause of death as coronary thrombosis (blood clot in the heart), due to arteriosclerosis, a vascular disease associated with factors such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or diabetes. Catharina followed in 1929, her death certificate cites the same cause of death as her husband.
The couple is buried at the United Church of Christ Cemetery in Florence, Missouri at. Remarkably, this cemetery serves as the final resting place for at least 50 relatives connected to the ancestors in this blog post. I visited this cemetery in 2015, accompanied by my mother.
Johann and Anne married in Germany on December 8, 1822. They had 3 children in Germany before immigrating to the U.S. in 1848. Piecing together the available information, it appears the entire family immigrated together, including their daughter Anna and her husband, Johann Christian Mertgen, my 3rd great-grandparents.
A mere 2 years after their immigration, the 1850 U.S. Federal Census places the family in Osage Township, Morgan County, Missouri. Johann Paulus is noted as a farmer with real estate valued at $700. Their 16 year old son, John, at age 16, remains at home and working on their family farm. Their daughter, Anna, and her husband, Johann Christian Mertgen (my 3rd great-grandparents) are also living with them, Christian contributing to the farmwork.
Christian and Anna were married in 1847 in Germany, their union likely influenced by the proximity of their birthplaces in neighboring towns. In 1848, they embarked on an immigration journey, alongside Anna’s parents. Once settled in the United States, the couple established their own family, welcoming into the world seven children - 4 girls and 3 boys.
Shortly after immigrating, the 1850 U.S. Federal Census documents the couple and their infant daughter living on Anna’s parents farm in Osage Township, Morgan County, Missouri. Christian is working as a laborer on his father-in-law’s farm.
As previously noted, there is a lack of record of any member of this family in the 1860 U.S. Federal Census. However, by the 1870 Census, the family was living and farming in Richland Township, Morgan County, Missouri and the value of Christian’s real estate was an impressive $2000.
Christian passed away in 1898 and is buried at the United Church of Christ Cemetery in Florence, Missouri. In both the 1900 and 1910 Census, Anna is living with her son William, on his farm in Richland Township, Morgan County, Missouri. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to confirm whether this was the same land that belonged to his father. Anna passed away in 1914 and is also buried in the same cemetery as her late husband.
Anna Katherina Johanna Runkel-Mertgen (shared by Taylon B Payne on www.ancestry.com, year unknown)
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Christian and Anna Mertgen (shared by Taylon B Payne on www.ancestry.com, year unknown)
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Due to the shared occupation of farming among these ancestors, I initially believed this blog post would be brief. Despite the shared aspects in many of their stories, my research uncovered a wealth of noteworthy details that I feel compelled to share. Additionally, immersing myself in their experiences deepened my appreciation for the courageous journeys all immigrants undertake when leaving their homeland for an entirely new life.
GERMANY
Let’s start with a bit of geography. The region we now identify as Germany has undergone profound transformation spanning back many years. It was part of the Holy Roman Empire until 1806, when Napoleon delivered a fatal blow to the empire. The surviving powers were Austria and Prussia. In the mid 1800’s, Prussia instigated a sequence of military campaigns, resulting in the formation of the nation of Germany (Confederation of the Rhine) on August 18th, 1866.The Holy Roman Empire c. 1200 to c. 1250 superimposed on modern state borders
German immigrants sought refuge in the United States during the early to mid-1800s for diverse reasons. The persisting feudal system in their homeland imposed restrictions on ordinary citizens, requiring permission for marriage, travel, and relocation, while religious freedom was curtailed. Overpopulation compounded the issue, shrinking available land for family farming. The unstable political climate resulting from the failure of the Revolution of 1848 and the power struggle between Prussia and Austria further fueled the desire to seek a better life elsewhere.
Amidst these challenges, Germans began learning about the promise of a brighter future in America. In the 1820’s, Gottfried Duden wrote glowing reports about the favorable land, waterways, and climate in Missouri. Later, in 1834, J.P. Dewis published “Guter Rath an Einwanderer in die Vereinigten Staaten von Nordamerika” (“Good Advice for Emigrants to the United States of North America”), contributing to the growing awareness of the opportunities awaiting them across the Atlantic.
My German immigrant ancestors came from the modern day German states of Lower Saxony (Niedersachsen), Schleswig-Holstein, and Rhineland-Palatinate (Rhineland-Pfalz).
SETTLEMENT IN MISSOURI
From about 1835 to 1867, my German immigrant ancestors embarked on their journeys to the United States. This is a notable time frame in light of the regional events occurring during that period and the official formation of Germany in 1866. My ancestors established their homes in predominantly German communities within three adjacent counties in Missouri: Benton, Morgan, and Pettis.
FAMILY TREE BRANCH: Brunkhorst / Tobaben / Dohrman
4th Great Grandparents:
Jürgen Hinrich (George Henry) Brunkhorst
B. 30 Oct 1792, Friedrichsdorf, Lower Saxony, Germany
D. 19 June 1862, Lake Creek Township, Benton County, Missouri
Catharina (Catherine) Tobaben
B. 5 June 1805, Hanover, Lower Saxony, Germany
D. 3 August 1878, Lake Creek Township, Benton County, Missouri
Jürgen and Catharina immigrated in 1844 with their six children, including my 3rd great grandmother, Catherine. The 1850 U.S. Federal Census records the family living in the Mill Creek Township of Morgan County, Missouri. Jürgen’s occupation is farming and the value of his property is $400.
The couple found their final resting place in Holy Cross Cemetery in Cole Camp, Missouri. I had the opportunity to visit this cemetery with my mother in 2015. The inscription at the base of Catharina’s headstone is in German, which reads: “Und Jesus sprach zu ihn: Wahrlich id sag, dir heute wirst du mit mir in Paradies sein”, translated in English means “And Jesus said to him: Truly I say, today you will be with me in paradise”.
Jürgen’s stone is lying on the ground, partially buried. If I’m able to revisit the cemetery, I’ll capture a better photograph, enabling me to fully translate the inscription.
3rd Great Grandparents:
Catherine Brunkhorst
B. 18 July 1826, Friedrichsdorf, Lower Saxony, Germany
D. 18 Nov 1902, Cole Camp, Benton County, Missouri
Johann Heinrich (John Henry) Dohrman
B. 9 January 1815, Friedrichsdorf, Lower Saxony, Germany
D. 19 June 1861, Cole Camp, Benton County, Missouri
As previously noted, Catherine Brunkhorst immigrated in 1844 with her parents, who are my 4th great grandparents. Immigration records suggest that Johann Heinrich Dohrman immigrated earlier, in 1835, embarking on the journey alone at the age of 20.
Catherine and Johann married shortly after her immigration on 16 August, 1844, at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Cole Camp, Missouri. Both born in Friedrichsdorf, Germany, although immigrating at different times, it appears their families may have been acquainted in Germany, which likely played a role in bringing them together. Their union resulted in the birth of six children into their family.
By the 1860 U.S. Federal Census, the couple and their 4 youngest children are living in the Flat Creek Township of Pettis County, Missouri. Although the 1850 Census did not specify townships, the continuity of neighbors between 1850 and 1860 suggests that the Dohrmans likely remained in the same location. Notably, in 1860, Johann and his 15-year old son are both recorded as farmers and the value of Johann’s property has quadrupled to $800.
The American Civil War erupted in April 1861, and within a very short time, my ancestors found themselves thrust into its midst during the Battle of Cole Camp. On June 11 and 12, 1861, in Benton County, Missouri, over 900 locals - primarily German immigrants who staunchly opposed slavery and supported the Union cause - volunteered to join the Home Guard. Their purpose, at the advice of Union General Nathaniel Lyon, was to protect their homes and families.
Among the dedicated volunteers were my 3rd great-grandfather, Johann Heinrich Dohrman and his brother-in-law, Catherine’s brother and my 3rd great-uncle, Johann Heinrich Brunkhorst. Together, they stood united in defense of their principles and the well-being of their community.
Tragically, less than one week later on June 19th, 1861, the Home Guard came under attack as they slept in a barn. Johann Heinrich Dohrman was killed during the attack. Johann Heinrich Brunkhorst sustained injuries in the attack and died six days later. A more in-depth blog post about this battle will be written at a later time.
Following the passing of her husband, Catherine remarried Christopher Frederick Fischer in 1863 and together they had two children. Catherine passed away in 1902 and is buried in Holy Cross Cemetery, where her parents, first husband, and brother also lie at rest.
FAMILY TREE BRANCH: Hansen / Johansen / Düvel
3rd Great Grandparents:
Martin Hansen
B. 25 August 1824, Langenhorn, Nordfriesland, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany
D. 25 April 1908, Morgan County, Missouri
Katharina Christina Johansen
B. 28 March 1828, Högel, Kreis Nordfriesland, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany
D. 19 Nov 1875, Morgan County, Missouri
The Hansen family, in 1865, before their immigration (shared by Mary Hansen on ancestry.com)
Katharina passed away in 1875 and in both the 1880 and 1900 U.S. Federal Census, Martin is residing with his daughter Matilda. (A noteworthy aside: the 1890 U.S. Federal Census was unfortunately lost in a fire and remains unavailable.) Martin’s own journey ended in 1908, and he found his final resting place beside his wife in Florence, Missouri at United Church of Christ Cemetery.
Martin and Katharina Hansen (www.findagrave.com, year unknown)
Martin and Katharina Hansen's Headstone (photo taken by Jenny McElhany 2015)
2nd Great Grandparents:
Catharina Christiana (Catherine) Hansen
B. 4 July 1851, Högel, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany
D. 8 Nov 1929 Stover, Missouri
Christian Heinrich Friedrich Konrad Duvel
B. 19 June 1842 Hannover, Germany
D. 15 Apr 1925 Florence, Missouri
As previously noted, Catharina Hansen immigrated to the U.S. in 1866 alongside her parents, who are my 3rd great grandparents. Christian immigrated separately, in 1867, presumably by himself. According to notes provided by Mary Hansen on www.ancestry.com, Christian was trained as a wagon maker in Germany. Despite farming being his main occupation after immigration, he also engaged in carpentry work at his shop in Florence, Missouri.
In 1871, the couple married and went on to have 8 children - 6 girls and 2 boys. U.S. Federal Census records spanning from 1880 to 1910 show the family living in Florence, Missouri. During this period, Christian worked diligently as a farmer, owning his own land. Fast forward to the 1920 Census, and we find Christian having retired by the age of 77.
The 1900 Census records indicate Christian had obtained status as a naturalized citizen. Naturalization is the process where an individual born in another country acquires citizenship. From the late 1700’s through most of the 1900’s, the naturalization process for most men required two steps. After living in the U.S. for two years, a male, like Christian, would file initial papers to start the process. Then after a period of three years, the individual could file a petition for naturalization. At the time of Christian’s naturalization, a woman’s citizenship status was determined by her father or husband’s status.
Christian passed away first in 1925 and his death certificate attributes the cause of death as coronary thrombosis (blood clot in the heart), due to arteriosclerosis, a vascular disease associated with factors such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or diabetes. Catharina followed in 1929, her death certificate cites the same cause of death as her husband.
FAMILY TREE BRANCH: Runkel / Meyer / Mertgen
4th great-grandparents:
Johann Paulus (John Paul) Runkel
B. 18 Jan 1795, Bonefeld, Neuwied, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany
D. 1857, Florence, Morgan County, Missouri
Anne Margaretha Meyer
B. 2 Feb 1792, Oberraden, Neuwied, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany
D. 19 Apr 1878, Morgan County, Missouri
Johann and Anne married in Germany on December 8, 1822. They had 3 children in Germany before immigrating to the U.S. in 1848. Piecing together the available information, it appears the entire family immigrated together, including their daughter Anna and her husband, Johann Christian Mertgen, my 3rd great-grandparents.
A mere 2 years after their immigration, the 1850 U.S. Federal Census places the family in Osage Township, Morgan County, Missouri. Johann Paulus is noted as a farmer with real estate valued at $700. Their 16 year old son, John, at age 16, remains at home and working on their family farm. Their daughter, Anna, and her husband, Johann Christian Mertgen (my 3rd great-grandparents) are also living with them, Christian contributing to the farmwork.
Johann Paulus passed away in 1857, finding his final resting place in Florence Union Cemetery, in Florence, Missouri. While I haven’t been able to locate any of the members of this family in the 1860 U.S. Federal Census, the 1870 Census shows Anne was living with her daughter Anna and her son-in-law (my 3rd great grandparents) in Richland Township, Morgan County, Missouri. Anne’s journey in this life ended in 1878 and she is buried in the United Church of Christ Cemetery in Florence, Missouri.
3rd great-grandparents:
Johann Christian Mertgen
B. 31 July 1819, Niederhonnefeld, Neuwied, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany
D. 1 May 1898, Florence, Morgan County, Missouri
Anna Katherina Johanna Runkel
B. 2 Feb 1825, Oberraden, Neuwied, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany
D. 13 May 1914, Florence, Morgan County, Missouri
Christian and Anna were married in 1847 in Germany, their union likely influenced by the proximity of their birthplaces in neighboring towns. In 1848, they embarked on an immigration journey, alongside Anna’s parents. Once settled in the United States, the couple established their own family, welcoming into the world seven children - 4 girls and 3 boys.
Shortly after immigrating, the 1850 U.S. Federal Census documents the couple and their infant daughter living on Anna’s parents farm in Osage Township, Morgan County, Missouri. Christian is working as a laborer on his father-in-law’s farm.
As previously noted, there is a lack of record of any member of this family in the 1860 U.S. Federal Census. However, by the 1870 Census, the family was living and farming in Richland Township, Morgan County, Missouri and the value of Christian’s real estate was an impressive $2000.
Johann Christian Mertgen (shared by Taylon B Payne on www.ancestry.com, year unknown)
Anna Katherina Johanna Runkel-Mertgen (shared by Taylon B Payne on www.ancestry.com, year unknown)
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Christian and Anna Mertgen (shared by Taylon B Payne on www.ancestry.com, year unknown)
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GERMAN IMMIGRANT MEMORIAL IN COLE CAMP, MISSOURI
During the course of researching for this blog, I discovered the existence of a German Immigrant Memorial located in Cole Camp, Missouri. The memorial is dedicated to brave German immigrants who established roots in Benton, Morgan, and Pettis Counties. While I haven’t had the opportunity to visit the memorial to discover whether any of my ancestors have been commemorated, just a couple hours away, it seems like an enjoyable Saturday excursion.CITATIONS & RESOURCES
United States Federal Census: 1850,1860,1870,1880,1900,1910,1920
https://showmemo.org/people/early-german-immigration-1820-1860/
By Ernio48 (original version), Alphathon (second version) - Own workThis file was derived from: Blank map of Europe (with disputed regions).svg:(Original version used Blank map of Europe (without disputed regions).svg)Extent of the Holy Roman Empire from Droysens-26.jpg, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=63802524
https://www.tripsavvy.com/german-states-map-for-tourists-4136289
https://newspapers.bc.edu/?a=d&d=pilot18660512-01.2.44&e=-------en-20--1--txt-txIN-------
Disclaimer: I am an amateur genealogist, and although I am committed to striving for accuracy in my research, I cannot provide a 100% guarantee of the accuracy of all the information I present. Genealogy involves piecing together historical records and documents, which can sometimes be incomplete, conflicting, or subject to errors. Therefore, I encourage readers to approach the information I provide as a valuable starting point for their own research, verify details independently, and seek professional guidance if needed.
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