Good day everyone! Before I get started on the next blog about the Folzenlogels, I just want to take a moment to recap our ancestors’ names and locations in the family tree to provide some context for those who might be unfamiliar with our heritage. On Mom’s side, the Hoffmeier/Winter family began their journey in St. Leon, Indiana, a community that holds family history and traditions. Alongside them are the Hayes/Quinn families, who have their roots stretching back to Maysville, Kentucky. This rich intersection of families has contributed to the wonderful tapestry of our lineage, thanks to our matriarch Anna Jo Kirchgassner. In contrast, on Dad’s side, the Nordmeyers embarked on their journey by establishing their family in New Alsace, Indiana, a significant location for our family’s legacy. Additionally, the Folzenlogels began their roots in the town of Dover, Indiana, where many memories were cultivated through the years. This ancestral journey in the northern end of county, brought the Hoffmeiers and Nordmeyers together in the 1880’s in Yorkville, Indiana. This not only deepens our connection to our heritage but also enriches our understanding of the places where we come from. Now you know we have early roots in all the villages in the Northern End of Dearborn County, Indiana, and this connection to our past helps us appreciate the values and traditions we carry forward into the present.
Joseph Folzenlogel was born in Alsace Lorraine in 1827, a region known for its rich cultural heritage and historical significance. Tragically, his parents had passed away by the time he made his journey to America in 1849, leaving him to navigate a new life on his own. He eventually settled near Dover, Indiana, along the banks of Tanners Creek, where he sought to create a new home and future. His dedication to building a life in this unfamiliar land. (Paul Trossman and Daniel Kirchgassner–hoping you will assist me in locating the farm where Joseph would establish his roots as he tilled the land.) The surname Folzenlogel is notably rare according to research, drawing attention to the unique lineage he represented. Today, his name is not widely recognized in the local community, highlights the changing tides of heritage over time.
Magdalena Sibler was born in Alsace Lorraine in 1841, a region known for its rich cultural heritage and picturesque landscapes. She was about 10 years of age when she arrived in America, filled with hopes for a new beginning. At the tender age of 17, she married Joseph on May 4, 1858. This union brought forth 14 children into the world, a testament to their devotion to family, with 10 of those children surviving to adulthood and carrying on the legacy of their parents. Magdalena settled in Dover, where she cultivated a home filled with warmth and tradition, nurturing her children amid the ebb and flow of life. Sadly, her journey came to an end in 1902.
Maria Magdalena Folzenlogel was the oldest child of Joseph and Magdalena, born in 1859, who grew up in the town of Dover alongside her nine siblings, each sharing in the vibrant tapestry of their family’s life. In the previous blogs, you will note that she married Herman Nordmeyer in 1878, a union that blossomed into a nurturing partnership as they raised their children in the close-knit community of Yorkville, Indiana, where family values and hard work were instilled in their offspring. Herman and Maria Nordmeyer were dad’s grandparents, and their legacy of resilience has been passed down through generations. Maria’s youngest brother, George Folzenlogel, born in 1882, became a dedicated cement worker in Plainfield, Ohio, a role that not only provided for his family but also shaped his identity through labor. Tragically, it is believed that in 1928, while diligently working near the Pennsylvania Railroad tracks, he failed to see the fast-approaching train; in a heart-wrenching moment, he could not get off the tracks in time and met his untimely death, leaving behind a family in mourning. (Grandma Dorie now has lost two uncles to train accidents, a painful reminder of the dangers that lingered in those industrial times.) Lastly, a younger sister of Maria, Anna Folzenlogel, played a significant role in the family’s story as she was the recipient of all personal and real estate of Joseph Folzenlogel when he died in 1909. In the will, it was written that Anna had been the one to take care of Joseph, illustrating the close bond they shared, while the other children received a mere $10 each, reflecting both the obligations and the intricacies of familial relationships during that era.
Update on William Nordmeyer: Last blog I wrote about William robbing a bank when he was 17 years old and was sentenced to reformatory in Ohio. Since then, new information has come my way that suggests William apparently turned his life around and became a productive citizen, which is truly remarkable considering his troubled past. He married a loving partner, had a child, and has established a stable family life. Furthermore, he has carved a successful career as a chief electrical engineer, showcasing his commitment to growth and improvement. He owned his home in Norwood, Ohio, a testament to his dedication and hard work. During a pivotal moment in history, he was drafted during WWII, and it appears that he served honorably in the US Navy, contributing to the efforts of his country during a time of great turmoil. However, the records show that there are many individuals named William Nordmeyer in the World War II database, making it difficult for me to be 100 percent certain which one he is and to note his contributions. Nonetheless, the trajectory of his life is inspiring and serves as a reminder that people can change for the better regardless of their past mistakes. (Maybe he quit reading about Jesse James!)
The next blog will feature the “Kirchgassners,” a family with a history of over six generations in the community of Yorkville. I look forward to sharing with you what I learned over the past fifty years. I will let you know about the lives that have shaped the generations before us, hopefully making for an insightful and engaging read. Until then, Fan Go Maith and Blessed be God!
Please reach out to me. The picture you have of Joseph Folzenlogel is the son. His name was also Joseph Folzenlogle. I have a picture of the senior. Lipscombbr28@yahoo.com