iGenealogy.org » Pfeifer

Volga-German Colonies of Russia – Map & Descriptions

Brad McCall — Sat, 05 Jun 2010 19:47:22 +0000

Catherine the Great ascended the Russian throne and issued a great manifest to open up colonization in the Volga river valley in southern Russia. Through effective marketing of her manifest, thousands of people throughout Germany immigrated to the area and founded colonies near Saratov. The colonies to the west of the Volga were on the hilly side of the river and were called “Bergseite”. The “Wiesenseite” or plains/grassy region was on the west side.

In trying to understand some of the places my ancestors settled and their reason for their move there, I’ve found a transcription of The Golden Jubilee of German-Russian Settlements of Ellis and Rush Counties, Kansas very helpful. The following are the towns that related to my family lines as I’ve researched thus far:

The Volga-German Mother Colonies:

Map of the Volga-German colonies of Russia highlighting the towns of Pfeifer, Herzog, Mariental and Obermunjou Russia

PFEIFER (GNILUSHKA)

Other Names:
Faifer, Fajfer, Feifer, Gnilushka, Gniluschka, Gnilyshka, Gvardeiskoye, Gvardeyskoye, Pfeifer, Pfeiffer

Location:
50º39′ N 45º24′ E

History:
Pfeifer was founded on the right bank of the Ilava Rover on 15 June 1767 by the Government as a Roman Catholic colony. Pfeifer is 117 versts from the provincial capital of Saratov, 65 versts from the district capital of Kamyshin, and 6 versts from the local administrative center of Kamenka.

From the beginning of the colony, there was parochial education available in Pfeifer. The students were taught reading, writing, and religion by a local schoolmaster under the supervision of the parish priest. In 1888, a government school was constructed in the colony.

My Family Names: Pfeifer
Johannes Pfeifer (1793-1798) imigrated from Orb Germany to Russia and on June 15, 1767, at which date they arrived, Colony Pfeifer was founded. Originally believing Johannes (my 6th Great Grandfather) originated from Ulm, Germany, we later discovered that the Ulm was one of the gathering places for colonists leaving for Russia. His birthplace was probably Orb, Germany. The German immigrants were housed in temporary housing by the recruiter sent from Russia who arranged for their passage to Seritov and the Russian colonies. At the point of debarkation in Russia to go to their new land (colonies) when they arrived from Germany, respective leaders were chosen from their groups to lead them to their new homes. Thus the naming of Colony Pfeifer was taken after their leader, Johannes Pfeifer. Johannes Pfeifer’s grandson Adam Pfeifer was the first Pfeifer to leave Colony Pfeifer and cross over into Herzog with his family in 1828.

Read more information about Pfeifer at the Center for Volga German Studies.

HERZOG (SUSLY)

Other Names:
Herzog, Susly, Sussly

Location:
51º29′ N 46º43′ E

History:
Herzog was a Roman Catholic colony founded on 14 July 1766 by LeRoy & Pictet.

My Family Names: Pfeifer
My 4th Great Grandfather Adam Pfeifer left Colony Pfeifer and moved his family to Colony Herzog, Russia, in 1828. He was the first Pfeifer in Colony Herzog. It is not known to me at this time why he moved to a colony so far away. My only guess is better land. Adam’s son, Johannes Adam Pfeifer, Sr., was the first Pfeifer to immigrate to America in 1878.

Read more information about Herzog at the Center for Volga German Studies.

OBERMONJOU (OBERMANSHU)

Other Names:
Krivovka, Kriwowskoje, Obermonjou, Obermunjour, Ober-Monjou, Ober-Monjour (after 1941, Krivovka)

Location:
51º44′ N 46º51′ E

History:
Ober-Monjou was founded as a Roman Catholic colony on 5 March 1767 by Baron Caneau de Beauregard.

In 1859, a daughter colony was established by colonists from Ober-Monjou seeking additional farm land. The daughter colony was called Neu-Ober-Monjou.

Read more information about Obermonjou at the Center for Volga German Studies.

A slightly different version of the history I located online at www.volgagerman.net:
Two German-speaking Frenchmen by the name of Munjou were made the leaders of the two groups. The older of the two, Otto de Munjor, became the leader of the Catholic group which settled along the Volga, north of Saratov. The younger Munjou established a colony of Lutheran people considerably down the river. Both towns were named Monjou, which soon caused confusion. The civil authorities eliminated the confusion by referring to the Catholic colony located on the upper as Obermunjou and the down strean village as Niedermonjor. During the founding years of these colonies, 1764 – 1768, 104 colonies were established, 44 on the Berseite (Mountain side) which was west of the Volga and 60 on the Wiesenseite (Meadow side) which was located on the east side.

My Family Names: Rupp
The record of my 2nd Great Grandmother Cecelia Rupp (1866-1930) has her birthplace listed as Obermunjou, Russia. I am still working on the origins of the Rupp family line, but I recently noticed an Anton Rupp (Her father’s name) mentioned in one of the largest group of immigrants to leave Saratov. The article, transcribed from The Golden Jubilee of German-Russian Settlements of Ellis and Rush Counties, Kansas is entitled “LARGEST EXPEDITION LEAVES SARATOV”. It includes in its list of immigrants hailing from Herzog a “… John Leiker, Anton Rupp, Caspar Rupp and Jacob Rupp, from Obermonjour, Russia.” I’m not quite sure if this is my Anton Rupp, as they say the ship he sailed on was the Mosel. (My Rupp family sailed on the Suevia arriving 3 Aug 1876)

MARIENTAL (MARIENTHAL)

Other Names:
Dubowoi, Mariental, Marienthal, Pfannenstiel, Sovetskoye, Tonkoshurovka, Tonkoschurowka

Location:
51º26′ N 46º45′ E

History:
Mariental was founded on 16 June 1766 by LeRoy & Pictet as a Roman Catholic colony.

Read more information about Mariental at the Center for Volga German Studies.

My Family Names: Zimmerman and Ochs
My family records show that my 3rd Great Grandfather Daniel Zimmerman (1845-1865) was born in Marienthal, Russia. His son Rochus who married Helen Ochs also has in-laws born in Marienthal.

If you’re related to this family or have more information about them including stories, pictures and dates and family member names, I’d love to hear from you. Please leave a comment below or email me directly from the About Us page.

Adam A. Pfeifer (1895-1934) – Family Tragedy

Brad McCall — Mon, 24 May 2010 01:41:22 +0000

Adam A. Pfeifer was the younger brother of my Great Grandfather Anton A. Pfeifer. His life was tragically cut short in a snowstorm after their car slid into a ditch. This tragedy happened on the anniversary of Anton’s other brother Alexander A. Pfeifer’s wife’s death in another winter storm. Alexander was married to Teresa Sack, Adam was married to her sister Helen Sack. It sounds as though the winter storms that came through this area of Kansas are quite severe.

The article was published in The Hays Daily News on February 19, 1934.

HAYS FARMER AND TWO SONS FREEZE TO DEATH

Adam A. Pfeifer, 39, and His Sons, William, 15, and Gilbert, 12, Are Found Dead In Snow, In a Field Northwest of Hays

SEEKING SHELTER AFTER CAR GOES INTO A DITCH

Deaths Occur Saturday Night, But Bodies Not Found Until Late Sunday; Trajedy Recalls Similar Fate Which Befell Victim’s Sister-In-Law On Same Date Eight Years Ago; Leaves Widow and Six Small Children

Adam A. Pfeifer, 39-year-old Ellis county farmer, and his two sons, William, 15, and Gilbert, 12, died in the snow-storm which swept this region Saturday night. The frozen bodies of Mr. Pfeifer and the boys were found late Sunday afternoon in the John Denning pasture one-half mile south of the Pfeifer Farm, which is seven and one-half miles northwest of Hays.

Mr. Pfeifer and his sons left home Saturday afternoon at 5 o’clock to go to Ellis for medicine for Mrs. Pfeifer, who has not been well. As nearly as can be learned, they left Ellis to return home at 9 o’clock that night. They had car trouble and had gone to a garage in Ellis, leaving there at 9 o’clock. The car was found Sunday in a ditch one-half mile northeast of Yocemento.

High Wind Drives Snow
A heavy rain Saturday, accompanied by a high wind, turned to snow at 10 o’clock at night and for a time a terrific storm raged. It is believed the car went into a ditch, and Mr. Pfeifer and the boys, after attempting unsuccessfully to get the machine back into the road, had started to walk home, or at least to find shelter.

At the place where the car was found there were some fence posts and indications were the man and the boys had tried to use them in getting the car out of the ditch.

Bodies Huddled in Blankets
John Denning found the three frozen bodies in his pasture at 4 o’clock Sunday afternoon. The bodies were lying close together and there were blankets around them. Members of the family believe they took blankets from the car to protect them from the wind when they left the car. Apparently the three became exhausted from fighting their way along and succumbed to the cold. Mr. Pfeifer, a brother Anton, said today, had suffered from ill health.

After the bodies were found J.T. Brock, the county coroner, and county officers were called and went to the Denning farm. The bodies were then brought to Hays.

On Anniversary of Tragedy
The deaths of Mr. Pfeifer and his sons occurred on the eight anniversary of the death of another member of the Pfeifer family, Mrs. Alex Pfeifer, who was frozen to death in a snowstorm, Feb. 17, 1925. Mrs. Alex Pfeifer was a sister of the widow of the man who perished Saturday night. Alex Pfeifer and Adam A. Pfeifer were brothers who had married sisters.

Surviving members of the family are Mrs. Pfeifer, the widow, and these children: Arthur Charles, Benigns, Leland, Harold, Adam Jr., and Theresa. Mr. Pfeifer is also survived by these brothers and sisters, Anton A. Pfeifer, Hays, Alex A. Pfeifer, Hays, Andrew A. Pfeifer, Kansas City; Joseph A. Pfeifer, Kansas City; John Pfeifer, Kansas City; Mrs. John Paul, Kansas City; Mrs. Elizabeth Montgomery, Russell and Mrs. Clem Denning, Hays. A sister, Mrs. Anna Karlin, preceded her brother in death.

Mr. Pfeifer was on the relief work list for Ellis county and was to have gone to work this morning.

Funeral services will be at 9 o’clock Tuesday morning at St. Joseph’s church here. Burial will be in Hays.

Front page news of the tragic death of Adam A. Pfeifer (1895-1934)

Johannes Adam Pfeifer, Sr. (1826/7-1881) – Family Group Record

Brad McCall — Sat, 22 May 2010 04:43:21 +0000

Johannes Adam Pfeifer, Sr. was my 3rd Great Grandfather, and the first and eldest Pfeifer relative to immigrate to the United States from Russia. His son, my Great Great Grandfather also came with him. They were considered a part of the Volga Germans and settled near Herzog Kansas in 1878.

The following is the family record I have for them at the time of this blog post.

Johannes Adam Pfeifer
Birth – 1826/1827, Pfeifer (Gniluschka), Wolga, Russia
Death – 11 Mar 1881, Victoria, Ellis, Kansas
Burial – St. Fidelis Church Cemetery

Father – Adam Pfeifer (1799-1846)
Mother – Justina Katharina Billinger (1804->1844)

Married:

Anna Margaret There
Marriage – 1848, Herzog (Susly), Wolga, Russia
Birth – 1826, Herzog, Russia
Death – 16 Jun 1903, Herzog, (Victoria), Kansas
Burial – St. Fidelis Church Cemetery

Their Children:

1 M – Michael Pfeifer
Birth – 1850, Herzog, Russia
Death – 1874, Herzog, Russia
Spouse – Margaretha Dreiling

2 M - Johannes Peter Pfeifer -twin-
Birth – 1 Jun 1853, Herzog, Russia
Death – 1917
Spouse (1) – Anna Marie Lauber
Marriage – ?
Spouse (2) – Elizabeth Weber
Marriage – 26 Jun 1893

3 F – Magdalena Pfeifer -twin-
Birth – 1 Jun 1853, Herzog, Russia
Death – 26 Jun 1904
Spouse – Andrew or Andreas Goetz
Marriage – ?

4 F – Elizabeth Pfeifer
Birth – 10 May 1856, Herzog, Russia
Death – ?
Spouse – Aloysius Quint
Marriage – ?

5 M – Johannes Adam Pfeifer
Birth – 10 May 1859, Herzog (Susly), Wolga, Russia
Death – 30 Oct 1917, Hays, Ellis, Kansas
Spouse (1) – Pauline Miller Or Muller
Marriage – 9 Sep 1879
Spouse (2) – Cecilia Rupp
Marriage – 9 Apr 1883

6 F – Anna Margaretha Pfeifer
Birth – 9 Apr 1861, Herzog, Russia
Death – 18 Aug 1940, Victoria, Ellis Co., Kansas
Spouse – Alexander Rupp
Marriage – 9 Sep 1879

7 F – Barbara Pfeifer
Birth – 31 Aug 1868
Death – ?
Spouse – Peter Schamber
Marriage – ?

8 F – Katherine Pfeifer
Birth – 1869
Death – 5 Mar 1929
Spouse – Joseph Graf
Marriage – ?

9 M Andreas J. “Andrew” Pfeifer
Birth – 18 Dec 1869, Herzog, Russia
Death – 10 Aug 1934
Spouse (1) – Catherine Storm
Marriage – ?
Spouse (2) – Barbara Kuhn
Marriage – 1 Feb 1897

Johannes Adam Pfeifer, Jr. (1859-1917) – A Historical Timeline

Brad McCall — Sat, 15 May 2010 23:50:15 +0000

Johannes Adam Pfeifer, Jr. or Adam J. Pfeifer as he was known by was my Great Great Grandfather. Son of Johannes Adam Pfeifer Sr. and husband to Cecilia Rupp, he was born in Russia and immigrated with his parents to Kansas as part of the Volga River German migration. Here’s a timeline I’ve put together on his life.

Historical Timeline: Johannes Adam Pfeifer, Jr. (1859-1917)

YEAR	LOCATION	EVENT
1859	Herzog (Susly), Wolga, Russia	Born: 10 May 1859
1876	New York, USA	“Grandmother Cecelia (Rupp) Pfeifer arrived in New York on the SS Suevia from Hamburg and Havre, Germany on August 3, 1876.”
1878	New York, USA	Adam was 20 when he came to US with his parents on the “Leipzig” – Landed in New York 12 Sep 1878. This ship’s record lists his father Johannes Adam Pfeifer Sr. (age 59) as the head of the family along with his mother Anna (age 53) and his siblings Johs (age 28), Anna (age 27), Elisab (age 21), himself – Adam (age 20), Marg (age 17), Charle? (age 13), Barbara (age 8), Andreas (age 7) and Johs (age 3). The last one listed was possibly a grand-child?
	Ellis Co., Kansas	“He was one of the 12 families who founded the town of Hyacinth, Kansas (12 miles north of Hays) The town and church no longer exist, only the Church cemetery. The Pfeifer homestead was in Hyacinth, Kansas”
1879	(Probably Kansas)	Married (1): Pauline Miller/Muller (b. 1861 in Russia) 9 Sep 1879
1880	?	U.S. Census: Listed in the Census as…? Cannot find him in this census. He would be with his first wife. Probably in Kansas.
1883	(Probably Kansas)	Wife dies: Pauline dies in Childbirth (d. 25 Feb 1883)
1883	(Probably Kansas)	Son: Johann (b. 25 Feb 1883) Died with Mom at birth
1883	(Probably Kansas)	Married (2): Cecilia Rupp, 9 Apr 1883
1885	Victoria Township, Ellis Co., Kansas	State Census: Listed in the Kansas State Census as Adam Pfeiffer (age 26) with his wife Zezilia (age 20). His occupation is listed as farmer, his birthplace Russia.
1887	Victoria, Ellis Co., Kansas	Son: Andrew A. (b. 4 Mar 1887)
1889	Hays, Ellis Co., Kansas	Son: Joseph A. (b. 3 Mar 1889)
1891	Hays, Ellis Co., Kansas	Son: Alexander A. (b. 10 Apr 1891)
1893	Walker, Ellis Co., Kansas	Son: Anton A. (b. Feb 1893)
1895	Hays, Ellis Co., Kansas	Son: Adam A. (b. 24 Feb 1895)
1897	Hays, Ellis Co., Kansas	Son: John A. (b. 22 Apr 1897)
1899	Collyer, Trego Co., Kansas	Daughter: Catherine (b. 7 Jul 1899)
1900	Bryant Township, Graham Co., Kansas	U.S. Census: Listed in the Census as Listed in the Census as Adam Pfeifer (age 42, b. May 1858) with his wife Zezilia (age 35, b. Sept 1864) and children Andrew (age 13, b. Mar 1887), Joseph (age 11, b. Mar 1889), Alexander (age 9, b. Apr 1891), Anton (age 7, b. Feb 1893), Adam (age 5, b. Feb 1895), John (age 4, b. Apr 1887), and Katherine (age 11/12, b. Jul 1899). Adam is listed as a Farmer, immigrated 1879 and naturalized, married 17 years. His wife is listed as parents to 8 children, 7 living, immigrated 1876.
1904	Hays, Ellis Co., Kansas	Daughter: Anna Margaret (b. 29 Mar 1904)
1905	Ellis Co., Kansas	“He helped in the building of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in 1905.”
1906	Hays, Ellis Co., Kansas	Daughter: Elizabeth (b. 22 May 1906)
1910	Buckeye, Ellis Co., Kansas	U.S. Census: Listed in the Census as Adam J. (age 51) with is wife Selia (age 44) and children Alexander (age 19), Antone (age 17), Adam (age 15), John (age 12), Catherine (age 10), Mary (age 8), Anna (age 6) and Lizzie (age 3). Adam is listed as married 27 years in his second marriage.
1917	Hays, Ellis Co., Kansas	Dies: J. Adam Pfeifer (d. 30 Oct 1917) and is buried in St. Josephs, Hays, Ellis Co., Kansas.
1920	Big Creek Township, Hays City, Ellis Co., Kansas	U.S. Census: His wife is listed in the Census as Cecilia Pfeifer (age 54) with her children Mary (age 18), Auria (age 17), and Elizabeth (age 14). She is listed as a Widow, her immigration 1876, not naturalized. Her birthplace is Serotof, Russia, mother tongue is German. Her eldest daughter is listed as a Waitress in a Restaurant. She answers “no” to being able to read and write or speak English.
1930	Hays City, Ellis Co., Kansas	U.S. Census: His wife is listed in the Census as Cecilia J. Pfeifer (age 65) with her daughter Elizabeth C. (age 23).
1930	Hays, Ellis Co., Kansas	Wife dies: Cecilia Rupp Pfeifer (d. 20 Aug 1930) and is buried in St. Josephs, Hays, Ellis Co., Kansas next to her husband.

Rochus Zimmerman (1867-1942) – Family Group Record

Brad McCall — Sat, 15 May 2010 06:51:49 +0000

The following is the family group record I’ve put together for my Great Great Grandfather Rochus Zimmerman who married Helen Ochs. I’m still working on gathering details for Rochus, and interested in connecting with other members who might be connected to any member of his family. My family line continues through their daughter Anna who married Anton A. Pfeifer.

Rochus Zimmerman
Birth – 10 Feb 1867, Russia
Death – 18 Jul 1942, Gove Co., Kansas
Burial – Park Catholic Cemetery, Park, Gove Co., Kansas

Father – Daniel Zimmerman (1845-1925)
Mother – Elizabeth Schnelbach (1846-1911)

Married:

Helen Ochs
Birth – 1 Nov 1866, Russia
Death – 15 Aug 1954, Gove Co., Kansas
Burial – Park Catholic Cemetery, Park, Gove Co., Kansas

Father – Joseph Ochs (~1846-<1930)
Mother - Elisabeth Klaus (~1846-<1944)

Their Children:

1 F – Katherine Zimmerman
Birth – 20 Jul 1889
Death – 18 Dec 1946, Park, Kansas
Spouse – Mr. Hartman?

2 F – Anna Zimmerman
Birth 21 Nov 1891, Texas
Death Mar 1978, of Silverton, Marion, Oregon
Spouse Anton A. Pfeifer
Marriage bef Nov 1915, Kansas

3 M – Martin Zimmerman
Birth – 21 Feb 1894, Texas
Death – 13 Feb 1970, Gove Co., Kansas
Spouse – Barbara Zerr
Marriage – 28 Feb 1916, Park, Gove Co., Kansas

4 M – Frank Zimmerman
Death – about 2 yrs old

5 F – Barbara Zimmerman
Birth – 22 Mar 1901, Park, Gove Co., Kansas
Death – 30 Jul 1976, Park, Gove Co., Kansas
Spouse – Herman Joseph Marqueling
Marriage – 27 Oct 1925, Gove Co., Kansas

Anton A. Pfeifer (1893-1946) – A Historical Timeline

Brad McCall — Sat, 15 May 2010 06:28:43 +0000

Anton A. Pfeifer who married Anna Zimmerman are my Great Grandparents. Here’s a timeline I’ve put together about Anton’s life from public sources. I’m still hoping to connect with a living member of this family who can help me with some of the missing details of his life.

Historical Timeline: Anton A. Pfeifer (1893-1946)

YEAR	LOCATION	EVENT
1893	Walker, Ellis Co., Kansas	Born: Feb 1893
1900	Bryant Township, Graham Co., Kansas	U.S. Census: Listed in the Census as Anton Pfeifer (age 7, b. Feb 1893), living with his parents Adam (age 42, b. May 1858) and Zezilia (age 35, b. Sept 1864) and siblings Andrew (age 13, b. Mar 1887), Joseph (age 11, b. Mar 1889), Alexander (age 9, b. Apr 1891), Adam (age 5, b. Feb 1895), John (age 4, b. Apr 1887), and Katherine (age 11/12, b. Jul 1899). Father is listed as a Farmer, immigrated 1879 and naturalized, married 17 years. His mother is listed as parents to 8 children, 7 living, immigrated 1876.
1910	Buckeye, Ellis Co., Kansas	U.S. Census: Listed in the Census as Antone Pfeifer (age 17) living with his parents Adam J. (age 51) and Selia (age 44) and siblings Alexander (age 19), Adam (age 15), John (age 12), Catherine (age 10), Mary (age 8), Anna (age 6) and Lizzie (age 3). His parents are listed as married 27 years, his father’s second marriage.
1910-1915	Kansas	Married: Anna Zimmerman (b. 21 Nov 1891 in Texas)
1915	Hays, Ellis Co., Kansas	Daughter: Cecilia Agnes (b. 22 Nov 1915)
1917	Hays, Ellis Co., Kansas	Son: Richard (b. 31 Jan 1917)
1918	Hays, Ellis Co., Kansas	Son: John A. (b. 29 Sep 1918)
1920	Kansas	Son: Anton “Tony”, Jr. (b. 28 Mar 1920)
1920	?	U.S. Census: Listed in the Census as…
1922	Kansas	Daughter: Helen (b. 3 Mar 1922)
1923	Hays, Ellis Co., Kansas	Son: Leo Wendell (b. 20 Jun 1923)
1924	Hays, Ellis Co., Kansas	Son: Francis N. (b. 14 Oct 1924)
1925	Buckeye, Ellis Co., Kansas	State Census: Listed in the Census as Anton Pfiefer (age 32) with his wife Anna (age 33) and his children Celia (age 9), Richard (age 7), John (age 6), Anton (age 5), Hellen (age 3), Leeo (age 2) and Francis (age 5 months). His occupation is listed as farmer, his birthplace is Kansas. His wife’s birthplace is Texas.
1926	Kansas	Son: Joseph (b. 21 Aug 1926)
1928	Kansas	Son: Robert (b. 10 Jun 1928)
1930	District 2, Buckeye, Ellis Co., Kansas	U.S. Census: Listed in the Census as Anton A. (age 37) with his wife Anna (age 38), and children Cecilia (age 14), Richard (age 13), John (age 11), Anton Jr. (age 10), Helen (age 8), Leo (age 6), Francis (age 5), Joseph (age 3) and Robert (age 1 9/12). His occupation is listed as Farmer, married 22 years.
1930	Hays, Ellis Co., Kansas	Daughter: Mary (b. 4 Jul 1930)
1933	Hays, Ellis Co., Kansas	Daughter: Anna (b. 31 Mar 1933) – Twin
1933	Hays, Ellis Co., Kansas	Son: Julius (b. 31 Mar 1933) – Twin – died as an infant (d. 14 Apr 1933)
1935	Hays, Ellis Co., Kansas	Daughter: Alice (b. 4 Sep 1935)
1937	Hays, Ellis Co., Kansas	Daughter: Agnes (b. 28 Jan 1937)
1938-1946	Oregon	Moved family to Oregon
1946	Salem, Marion Co., Oregon	Died: (d. 1846)
1978	Salem, Marion Co., Oregon	Wife dies: Anna Zimmerman Pfeifer (d. Mar 1978) and is buried…?

Johannes Adam Pfeifer, Sr. (1827-1881) – Passenger List

Brad McCall — Wed, 12 May 2010 01:36:17 +0000

On the 12th of September 1878, the Pfeifers first arrived in the United States after sailing out of Bremen, Germany. Originating in the Volga River valley of Russia, they arrived in the port of New York, New York State aboard the ship Leipzig, with their final destination listed as Kansas. My 3rd Great Grandfather Johannes Adam Pfeifer, Sr., (age 59) was listed as the head of the family along with his wife Anna (age 53) and children Johs. (age 28), Anna (age 27), Elisab. (age 21), Adam (age 20), Marg (age 17), Charle? (age 13), Barbara (age 8), Andreas (age 7) and Johs. (age 3). The last one listed was possibly a grandchild?

Adam mentioned in the list was my 2nd Great Grandfather, Johannes Adam Pfeifer, Jr (1859-1917).

The ship they arrived on:

The Ship "Leipzig".
Years in service: 1869-1894; Launched, February 13, 1869; Shipping Line: North German Lloyd
Ship Description: Built by Caird & Co., Greenock, Scotland. Tonnage: 2,388. Dimensions: 300' x 39'. Single-screw, 10 knots. Inverted engines. Two masts and one funnel. Iron hull. Compound engines in 1883.
History: Employed mainly in Baltimore service. In service 1869-1894. Made her final voyage to New York in 1890. Sold for scrap in 1894. Running mates: Baltimore, Berlin and Ohio.

The passenger list:

The passenger list showing my GGG Grandfather Johannes Adam Pfeifer, Sr.

The family:

The passenger list, close-up.

Rochus Zimmerman (1867-1942) – A Historical Timeline

Brad McCall — Tue, 11 May 2010 16:53:35 +0000

Rochus Zimmerman is my Great Great Grandfather (GG) though his daughter Anna Zimmerman (1891-1978) who married Anton A. Pfeifer (1893-1946).

One of the interesting things I discovered about Kansas, is they had state census records. This allowed me to get a more granular timeline from public records.

Historical Timeline: Rochus Zimmerman (1867-1942)

YEAR	LOCATION	EVENT
1867	Russia	Born: 10 Feb 1867
1888-1889	Russia	Married: Helena “Helen” Ochs (b. 1 Nov 1866 in Russia)
1889	Russia	Daughter: Katherine (b. 20 Jul 1889)
1891	New York, New York, USA	Immigration: Listed on the Passenger list as Rochus Zimmerman (age 24, b. abt 1867) with his wife Helena (age 24) and his daughter Katha? (age 2). His “calling” is listed as farmer. He is listed next to his father Daniel Zimmerman and family. The details list their ethnicity as Russian. The place of origin as Russia with the port of departure as Boulogne Sur Mer, France and Rotterdam, Netherlands. Their destination was Houston, Texas. They arrived in the Port of New York, New York, United States the 7th of Oct 1891 on a ship named the Maasdam. Helena must have been pregnant with Anna on this journey, since she was born less than 2 months after they arrived in the United States.
1891	Texas	Daughter: Anna “Annie” (b. 21 Nov 1891)
1894	Texas	Son: Martin (b. 21 Feb 1894)
1894-1900	Kansas	Son: Frank (b. ? d. ?) Lived to be 2 years old.
1900	Payne Township, Gove Co., Kansas	U.S. Census: Rochus Zimmerman (age 33, b. Jan 1867, Russia) with his wife Helen (age 33, b. Oct 1866, Russia) and his children Catherine (age 10, b. July 1889, Russia), Annie (age 8, b. Nov 1891, Texas) and Martin (age 6, b. Feb 1894, Texas). Occupation listed as a farmer, “no” is answered to reading and writing, but “yes” to speaking English. His wife and eldest daughter have “no” to reading, writing and speaking English. Year of immigration listed: 1891, naturalization in PA. Helen is listed as being the mother of 4 children, 3 living. Number of years married is 11.
1901	Payne Township, Gove Co., Kansas	Son: Barbara “Barbie” (b. 22 Mar 1901)
1905	Payne Township, Gove Co., Kansas (Post office – Quinter)	State Census: Listed in the Kansas State Census as Rochus Zimmerman (age 38) with his wife Helen (age 38), and children Katie (age 15), Annie (age 13), Martin (age 11) and Barbie (age 4).
1910	?	U.S. Census: ?
1915	?	Naturalized. The census that mentions his naturalization year lists the location as “PA” – is this Pennsylvania?
1920	Payne Township, Gove Co., Kansas	U.S. Census: Listed in the US Census as Rochus Zimmerman (age 52) with his wife Helena (age 53) and his daughter Barbra (age 18, b. Kansas). His occupation is listed as Farmer, his birthplace Russia. His immigration date is 1890, naturalization date 1915. Parents both born in Russia, mother tongue is German.
1925	Payne, Gove Co., Kansas	State Census: Listed in the Kansas State Census as Rochus Zimmerman (age 58) with his wife Hellen (age 58) and his daughter Barbara (age 22). Immigration listed as 1891, naturalization as 1915. Born Russia, hails from Texas. No occupation, but answers yes to being able to read write and attended school.
1930	Payne Township, Gove Co., Kansas	U.S. Census: Listed in the US Census as Rochus Zimmerman (age 62) with his wife Helena (age 62). Both parents list birthplace Russia and age at marriage to be 22. Immigration 1891, listed with no occupation.
1942	Park, Gove Co., Kansas	Died: Rochus Zimmerman (d. 18 Jul 1942) and is buried in the Park Catholic Cemetery next to the Sacred Heart Church
1954	Park, Gove Co., Kansas	Wife dies: Helen Ochs Zimmerman (d. 5 Aug 1954) and is buried in the Park Catholic Cemetery next to the Sacred Heart Church

Johannes Adam, Jr. (1859-1917) and Cecilia (1865-1930) Pfeifer – Cemetery Photo

Brad McCall — Sat, 08 May 2010 18:36:53 +0000

Johannes Adam Pfeifer, Jr. (who went by his middle name, Adam) and his wife Cecilia (Rupp) Pfeifer are my Great-Great Grandparents through their son Anton A. Pfeifer (1893-1946).

Johannes Adam Pfeifer
Birth – 10 May 1859, Herzog (Susly), Wolga, Russia
Death – 30 Oct 1917, Hays, Ellis, Kansas
Burial – St. Josephs, Hays, Kansas

Cecilia Rupp
Marriage – 9 Apr 1883
Birth – 29 Sep 1866, Obermunjou, Russia
Death – 20 Aug 1930, Hays, Kansas
Burial – St. Josephs, Hays, Kansas

The headstone of Johannes Adam and Cecilia Rupp Pfeifer. Hays, Ellis Co., Kansas

Johannes Adam Pfeifer, Jr. (1859-1917) – Family Group Record

Brad McCall — Wed, 05 May 2010 02:30:58 +0000

Johannes Adam Pfeifer, who went by Adam, is my Great-Great Grandfather through his son Anton A. Pfeifer (1893-1946) who married Anna Zimmerman (1891-1978).

Johannes Adam Pfeifer
Birth – 10 May 1859, Herzog (Susly), Wolga, Russia
Death – 30 Oct 1917, Hays, Ellis, Kansas
Burial – St. Josephs, Hays, Kansas

Father – Johannes Adam Pfeifer (1826-1881)
Mother – Anna Margaret There (1826-1903)
Other spouses – Pauline Miller Or Muller

Married:

Caecilia Rupp
Marriage – 9 Apr 1883
Birth – 29 Sep 1866, Obermunjou, Russia
Death – 20 Aug 1930, Hays, Kansas
Burial – St. Josephs, Hays, Kansas

Father – Anton Rupp (1836-)
Mother – Margaretha Anna Maria Katharina Herman (1837-)

Their Children:

1 M – Andrew A. Pfeifer
Birth – 4 Mar 1887, Victoria, Kansas
Death – 23 Dec 1957, Kansas City, Jackson, Missouri
Spouse – Margaret Schmidt
Marriage – ?

2 M – Joseph A. Pfeifer
Birth – 3 Mar 1889, Hays, Kansas
Death – 19 Sep 1984, Kansas City, Jackson, Missouri
Spouse – Elizabeth Vonfeldt
Marriage – ?

3 M – Alexander A. Pfeifer
Birth – 10 Apr 1891, Hays, Kansas
Death – 20 Sep 1972, Kansas City, Jackson, Missouri
Spouse – Teresa Sack
Marriage – ?
Spouse Helen Sack
Marriage – ?

4 M – Anton A. Pfeifer
Birth – Feb 1893, Walker, Ellis, KS
Death – 1946, Salem, Marion, OR
Spouse – Anna Zimmerman
Marriage – ?

5 M – Adam A. Pfeifer
Birth – 24 Feb 1895, Hays, Kansas
Death – 17 Feb 1934, Hyacinth, Kansas
Spouse – Helen Sack
Marriage – 8 Oct 1917

6 M – John A. Pfeifer
Birth – 22 Apr 1897, Hays, Kansas
Death – 31 Dec 1967, Kansas City, Jackson, Missouri
Spouse – Josephine Denning
Marriage –

7 F – Catherine Pfeifer
Birth – 7 Jul 1899, Collyer, Kansas
Death – 20 Aug 1993, Kansas City, Jackson, Missouri
Spouse – Clement C Denning
Marriage – ?

8 F – Marie M. Pfeifer
Birth – 24 Jan 1902, Hays, Kansas
Death – 1 Sep 1990, Kansas City, Jackson, Missouri
Spouse – John P Paul
Marriage – ?

9 F – Anna Margaret Pfeifer
Birth – 29 Mar 1904, Hays, Kansas
Death – ?
Spouse – Albert Karlin
Marriage – ?

10 F – Elizabeth Pfeifer
Birth – 22 May 1906, Hays, Kansas
Death – 19 Feb 1961, Kansas City, Jackson, Missouri
Spouse – Roscoe Montgomery