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Callawaert - Vanker and Allied Families Compiled by: Audrey Z. Martini
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TABLE OF CONTENTS:
Chapter:
LIST OF CHARTS:
Lineal ascendants of Joseph Gerald Callewaert
Lineal ascendants of Marie DeClerq
Lineal ascendants of Edwin Theut
Lineal ascendants of Loretta De Grandchamp
Lineal ascendants of Gerald Rinke
Lineal ascendants of Dorothy Vanker
Lineal ascendants of Rita Wiegand
Lineal ascendants of Herbert Nieman
LIST OF MAPS:
Map
West Flanders
17200 Conant in 1921
11040 Fifteen Mile Road
Mount Olivet cemetery
"Children are the only passport to immorality"
This manuscript was meant to be a 'working' part of this family’s future. It is hoped new facts will be added in the spaces provided and handed down with pride to each generation.
Copies of this work have been presented to the Detroit Public library, Burton Historical Section and the Michigan State Library in Lansing. New information, corrections and or deletions made by each family can be shared by all if each member will take a moment to advise me of any changes, so corrections can be made.
Abbreviations found in this work will include:
b. for born;
d. for died; and
m. for married.
I would like to take this opportunity to express special thanks to the following people without whose contributions this work could have never been.
Audrey Z. Martini
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Telefoon 050/223.77 - 216.91
M. Audrey Z. Martini
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Als gevolg aan Uw schrijven waabij U ons gemeente-
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It is not known where the name "Callewaert" originated, but suspicions are centered around the Flemish word "Clauwaerts" which means "supporters of the Counts", which came to fame during the Middle Ages as Flanders was trying to throw the yoke of France from her back. During thirteenth century Flanders was experiencing unusual prosperity, encouraged by the various Counts of Flanders, who acquiesced to demands by the various trade groups who felt the tyrannical dominion of a feudal lord was too restrictive for the growth of industries. Charters were granted: free cities were established. The working class people became political as well as judicial masters of their own cities, replacing the former aristocracy with the beginnings of democracy.
Philip the Fair, King of France and overlord of the courts of Flanders, already fearing the growing might of Flanders, quickly came to the aid of the Patricians and two distinct parties sprang into being; the rich merchants who supported King Philip, and the craftsmen who supported Count Guy de Dampierre. The craftsmen adopted the banner of Count Dampierre, with the device of the lion of Flanders and took the name of Clauwaerts – Men of the de-lis in the French Royal banner, were called Leliaerts – Men of the Lilly.
King Philip invaded Flanders in 1214 and defeated the Count’s army at Bouvines. The Flemings, in turn attacked Bruges in 1302 and killed the French and their sympathizers in the Matins of Bruges. Frande, in retaliation, invaded Flanders on July 11th of that same year, but was, surprisingly, defeated by the Clauwerts at the Battle of the Golden Spurs.
"However, the French eventually won out at the Roosebeke in 1382. In 1384 Philip The Bold became Count of Flanders. Under his successors, Flemish commerce and art reached their flower, but industry declined and local liberties were curtained. The death of Mary of Burgundy in 1482 brought Flanders under Hapsburg rule where she remained until 1797 when she was annexed by France following the French Revolution."1
2. FIRST
GENERATION
At the close of the French Revolution, the territory today known as
Belgium, was annexed by France with a brief lull in the many battles fought
by the Flemish troops. Napoleon Bonaparte and Pope Pius VII agreed to make
the church part of the state and a new system, of jurisprudence was introduces.
‘Le petit corporal’ seemed to have the Flemings under his spell. But Napoleon
was defeated at Waterloo in 1814 and Belgium once again feared France’s
influence. In 1815 the Treaty of Paris awarded Belgium to the Netherlands.
Fifteen years later, Belgium, unhappy, with the "Dutch" influences exerted over her, rose against William I and in 1830 proclaimed herself to be independent. Leopold I of the house of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha was chosen King in 1831. The exceptional peace and prosperity experienced from both industry and agriculture can be underscored when one realizes the records indicate that only about 160,000 Belgians came to the shores of the United States of America between 1810 and 1930 despite the fact that the population situation crowded nearly 800 people to the square mile.
But the rapid industrialization in Belgium, as in all other countries, brought with it grave social problems, particularly for those countrymen who resisted in making Belgium a French speaking nation. Few opportunities existed for the proud, simple people of Flanders to raise their standard of living or support a large family with a bright future. Consequently, the majority of Belgian immigrants who came to America during the peak period from 1880 to 1930, were farmers.
Such was the situation for the first generation of this line of the Callewaert family to arrive in the United States. Constant Callewaert, son of Bruno Flanders. The town, spelled "Turhalt" in 1115 and "Thourout" in 1818, is only 11,000 acres in size and borders on the towns of Gits and Lichtervelde.
Whereas many Belgian husbands would go for months and years at a time
to France to work in the brickyards, Constant would travel to the United
States and work for years at a time, gardening and selling his produce
at the Eastern Market in the center of Detroit. Constant’s wife, Marie
Therese Louise, daughter of Francis Wullaert and Marie Therese Verbeke,
never traveled to America, but several children did and some remained there
to raise their families.
1. CONSTANT CALLEWAERT
b. March 14, 1858 TorhoutConstant’s grand daughter, Josephine Theut, did not know where Constant’s farm was located, other than in the Assumption Grotto Church area. She did however, remember her father, Maurtis, getting Constant’s horse when Constant finally sold his land to return to Belgium.
d.
m. MARIE THERESE LOUISE WULLAERT June 11, 1883
b. June 11, 1863 Torhout
d. February 3, 1925 Lichtervelde
issue: (All born in Torhout, Belgium)
2. A.Maurits b. 10-29-1884
3. B. Taunta Leotine
4. C. Antoinette b. 7-1-1887
5. D. Bertha
E.Albrecht b. November 28, 1890
d. October 6, 1918 during WWI in Frankrijk
6. F. Taunta Zulma b. 4-30-1894
7. G. Gentil b. 6-17-1895
8. H. Hector
2. MAURTIS CALLEWAERT (Constant)
b. October 29, 1884 Torhout, Belgium
d.
m. MARIE DE CLERQ October 17, 1907 Belgium
b. July
6,1880 Gits, Belgium
d. October
11, 1966 Mt. Clemens, Mich.
Issue: (Unless otherwise indicated, born in Detroit)
A. Margaret
b. 10-17-191
d.December 1913, Detroit of Black Diphtheria
9. B. Josephine
b. 10-17-1910
10. C. Maurice Camil
b. 6-25-1914
11. D. Margaret
b. 11-26-1915
12. E. Martha Agnes
b. 2-21-1916
13. F. Joseph Ferdinand
b. 5-19-1922
14. G. Albert Felix
b. April 9, 1928 Sterling Township
d. January 15, 1937 of Scarlet fever
Joseph Callewaert4 (Joseph, Maurtis, Constant) relates that his grandfather frequently told of his birthplace in Torhout and of riding his bicycle from Torhout to Ostend, "the end of the East", to view the North Sea as did the sailors for the West Indies company in the eighteenth century as they brought porcelain from China. Maurtis loved it, as did King Leopold II, for it was Leopold’s partiality for it that made it the Queen of Seaside Resorts.
Maurtis was also very close to the famous "Kasteel Wijnendale"- Wijnendale
castle, situated in Torhout, and the center of Flanders’ history since
the time of the Crusaders. It was brought back into prominence during WWII
when Leopold III surrendered Belgium to Germany after a disastrous two
week campaign in 1940 by the Belgians to keep Germans from her borders
and Belgium neutral. The castle today is not open to public for viewing,
but is surrounded by woods and a mote that occupies many acres.
Torhout is also the site of one of the world’s oldest Roman Catholic Churches, St. Peters, which was built about 654 A.D.
Maurtis came to the United States after his father and sister, Antoinette, leaving his wife and first child behind in Belgium until he had established himself. He arrived in America on March 20, 1910. Meantime, Marie, realizing she was pregnant with a second channel, and having only enough tickets purchased for two people, came soon after her husband, arriving on May 19, 1910. However, Margaret, who had been sick with the measles, had a relapse and did not accompany her mother. Instead she came over with her aunt, Emma (DeClerq) Kestloot, a year later.
The first mention of Maurtis in Detroit is in the 1912 cross index, where he is listed as boarding as 49 St. Aubin Avenue. St. Aubin was described at that time as; "from 530 Atwater east north beyond city limits. Paved with cedar to Guoin, with brick to Mullett, with asphalt to Gratiot avenue, with cedar to Forest avenue and with brick to Harper avenue."2 Maurits’ address was between Woodbridge and Franklin, meaning the road directly in front of his home was "paved" with cedar.
The 1912 index also listed Maurits as a laborer. His grandson, Joseph Callewaert, has related Mr. Callewaert did work for the City of Detroit for a short time in road construction. Further investigation into the 1912 listings shows 49 St. Aubin was a grocery store owned by Henry Brunelle. It is unknown if there was any relationship between Mr. Brunelle only rented rooms to new immigrant families until they could find a more permanent residence.
By 1913 Maurits and Marie had moved to: "house east south Conant avenue two north of Davison."3 Maurits’ occupation was there listed as gardener. This address is on the outer fringes of Detroit’s 1913 city limits, which would explain why no house number was assigned.
It seems Maurits, like so many Belgian farmers who had put long hours and hard labor into their Belgian farms, came to Detroit to make their fortunes on Detroit’s industry; brickyards, sawmills and mass production lines. But Maurits was a farmer at heart and the factories and work gangs could not take "the country out of the man". Booming city demands for fresh vegetables turned many former farmers back to the lands- in their garden plots. Soon each family was hoping for a few acres rather than a simple back yard plot and Belgians, including Maurits and his family, spread all over the east side of Detroit.
The following is an excerpt from the book Belgians in America, written by Judge David C. Vokes for Philemon D. Sabbe and Leon Buyse. It is included here to give the reader some idea of the devotion these Belgian farmers had to their gardens.
A check in the next years’ cross indices finds no listing on Conant avenue beyond Davison until the year 1919. In 1919 Maurits was residing on Conant. The street address given was 1394 Conant Avenue.5
Detroiter’s were also becoming extravagant and the downtown green grocers and hotels were clamoring for vegetables all year round. The Belgians supplied their needs. On every small farm there were hot houses and root houses and soon green houses – and these hardy pioneers produced garden vegetables the entire year. Many a farm horse traveled the route to the Eastern Market six days a week, fifty-two weeks of the year. And then there came rhubarb – if the Belgians didn’t invent rhubarb they certainly mothered it, fathered it and nurtured it so that today this section of the country is known as the rhubarb capital of the world.’
At the turn of the century, Gratiot Turnpike, which was also known as Fort Gratiot Road, was a toll road. It was made of planks and was thus passable at all seasons of the year.
The tollgates along Gratiot Avenue were at Mack, Sheridan and the Stone Road. A plank road was not all that the name would seem to connote. Today we think of Gratiot as a wide superhighway. In 1900 it was a narrow road of wooden planks just wide enough for one wagon. Whenever wagons met on the plank road, one of the wagons had to turn off onto the side of the road. It was the rule of the road that the wagons driving towards town had the right to remain on the planks. The other wagon had to turn off onto the side. If it were muddy and the wagon became mired in the mud, the wagon driving downtown would be obliged to stop and the driver would unhitch the horse or team and come back and help pull the mired wagon back onto the road.
The wagons and sleighs in the wintertime had to be protected from the elements and the loads were covered with blankets, quilts, rugs, canvas, skins and other coverings. Heated bricks were placed under the coverings to prevent vegetables from freezing.4
Effective January 1, 1921, the city of Detroit adopted a new plan of numbering addresses along the city'’ streets. An explanation of the re-numbering plan, dated October 1, 1920, is excerpted below.
The number assigned to the Callewaert house in 1921 cross-index is 17200 Conant avenue.7 The house is listed to "Michael" Callewaert, but because of the various spellings of Maurits’ name and because the family could not recall any Michael in the family, it is believed Michael is Maurits. The streets listed to the south and north of the Callewaert address are as follows:
Under the present plan, which has been discarded by most of the large cities of the country, there is little, if any, relation existing between the numbers on parallel streets, even in the same neighborhood. For example, "907" Woodward avenue is at the northwest corner of Forest, while John R street, but one block distant and extending in the same general direction is numbered "691" at the corner of Forest. Similar instances prevail throughout the city. In many instances, half numbers only can be assigned to entrances to flats, stores and upstairs entrances above stores for the reason that only one full number is allowed for each twenty feet of frontage, and it frequently happens more than one entrance occurs within this twenty foot limit. Tenants and owners alike strenuously object to the enforced use of the half numbers.
Under new plan, both of these conditions mentioned above are avoided.
Under the new plan, all streets extending in the same general direction will be numbered alike at the intersection of the same cross street, and consequently, if the location of a like number on any other street extending in the same direction will also be known.6
The 1923-1924 cross-index again shows "Morris" Callewaert at the 17200 Conant address. However, in 1923 Maurits and Marie moved from Detroit to Sterling township, Macomb county, Michigan. Here on thirty acres Maurits could do what he loved best…garden. And garden he did.Victoria
17200 Morris Callewaert
Gaylord Street
Detroit Terminal Railroad
He grew tomatoes, cabbage, and of course, rhubarb, and took his wares to the Eastern Market to be sold.
For forty-three years Maurits and Marie resided at Van Dyke and 15 Mile Road. On March 6, 1936 Maurits declared his intentions to become a United States citizen and on June 1, 1938 he filed a petition to that effect. He took his oath of allegiance on September 26, 1946, filed a petition on June 12, 1948 and took the oath of allegiance on August 9, 1948, certificate number 5817827.
A 1949 unidentified newspaper clipping in the possession of Josephone Theut, shows Maurits, a tall, stately white haired gentleman, drawing water from a well with the following caption:
Just before Marie’s death, the couple sold the property and moved to Chesterfield township, Macomb county, where Marie died after a short illness. She was buried in Mt. Olivet cemetery by the Milliken Funeral Home on October 14, 1966 in Lot 14, Section 22. Maurits was still residing in Chesterfield Township in 1973, but failing health forced him into a convalescent home.
A brief storm took the Maurits Callewaert’s of 11040 15 Mile, Sterling Township back 32 years. Tree limbs cut the electric wires into their 6 room home, leaving them without current. It was just like the old days when they first settled. Mrs. Callewaert was 69, cooks on a camp stove. Her husband was 71, draws water by hand form a long unused well. Neither minds much.
For family information on Marie see Appendix A.
3. TAUNTA LEONTINE CALLEWAERT2 (Constant)
b.
d.
m. ALFONS BARET
b. October 17, 1884 Lichtervelde, Belgium
d. August 21, 1958 Roselare, Belgium4. ANTOINETTE CALLEWAERT2 (Constant)
b. July 1, 1887 Torhout, Belgium
d. June 26, 1970 Detroit, Michigan
1m.___________NUYTTTEN
b.
d.
issue:
A. Peter Ernest
Peter "Ernest" married a girl in Belgium and later brought his family to America in 1928. He currently resides in St. Clair Shores. Antoinette second married:
2m. FRANK VAN HERREWEGHE
b.
d. May 2, 1973 Detroit
Bertha and her family reside in Milan, Washtenaw County, Michigan.5. BERTHA CALLEWAERT2 (Constant)
b.
d.
m. CHARLES TOMMELIEN
b.
d.
issue:
A. Margaret m. ______Padot resides in California
B. Morris "Jigs" "Albrecht" resides in Milan.
C. Albert resides in Milan, Washtenaw County, Michigan.
Taunta lived her entire life in Belgium, but she visited Detroit on at least one occasion, the year Henry Callewaert’s daughter, Henrietta, was born (1951), as Taunta Zulma was her Godmother.6. TAUNTA ZULMA CALLEWAERT2 (Constant)
b. April 30, 1894 Torhout, Belgium
d. June 7, 1971 Roselare, Belgium
m. EUGENE VAN HOVE
b. March 16, 1888 Lichtervelde, Belgium
d. November 6, 1957 Roselare, Belgiu
issue:
A. Mary m.________Wollenweber
Resides in Detroit, Michigan
B. ________(son) resides in Belgium
Gentil’s son, Henry, indicated he thought his father worked in the sugar beet fields of Canada shortly after he arrived in America. This may have been a summer work job. Gentil also worked for Emil Clarhout of the Clarhout Construction company for a while.7. GENTIL CHANTIL "CHUCK" CALLEWAERT2 (Constant)
b. June 17, 1895 Torhout, Belgium
d. April 16, 1941 Harrison Township, Macomb County, Michigan
m. MARY MARTIN
b. Circa 1904
d.
issue: (both born Warren Township, Macomb, county, Michigan)
A. CARL d. at age 6 months, buries in Mt. Olivet cemetery
B. Henry "John" Camil b. January 5, 1923
Gentil petitioned the United States on February 8, 1924 to become a United States citizen. He took his oath of allegiance on September 12, 1924 and was naturalized on that date.
Gentil died in Harrison Township of carcinoma of the jaw. He was buried in Sevtion 24, Lot 577 of Mt. Olivet cemetery by Schwartzhoff Funeral home (Board of Health number 4614 ½). At the time of his death, Gentil was a grander.
For further information on fmaily background of Mary Martin see Appendix B.
Herminie died in childbirth. Hector had no children. He visited America on several occasions, but lived in Torhout.8. HECTOR CALLEWAERT2 (Constant)
b.
d.
1m. HERMINIE ROMAINE BEKE
b. Torhout, Belgium
d.February 15, 1929 Torhout, Belgium
9. JOSEPHINE CALLEWAERT3 (Maurtis, Constant)
b. October 17, 1910 Detroit
d.
m. EDWIN THEUT October 24, 1928 Macomb County (Marriage license #13914)
b. October 7, 1905
d. April 6, 1973 Mt. Clemons, MichiganIssue:
15. A. Marie Elizabeth b. 2-27-1930
16. B. Joan Lorraine b. 8-23-1931
17. C. Edwin Clarence b. 11-26-1932
18. D. Alvin Herbert b. 11-17-1934
19. E. Marvin Joseph b. 1-19-1937
20. F. Janice Charlotte b. 5-14-1942
21. G. Judy Irwin (adopted) b. 6-18-1944
While in discussion with Josephine relating to middle names, she
related that when she was baptized, babies had to be baptized within twenty-four
hours from birth. If the baby was a girl, the Godmother named her; if it
was a boy, the Godfather named him. Marie wanted to name her first born
"Rachel" and told the doctor this at the time of baby’s birth. Apparently
the doctor could not understand her broken English, because her birth certificate
reads "Rodel". Josephine’s Godmother wanted to name the girl "Zoe" (pronounced
Zoey- as in Joey). The priest at Assumption Grotto shook his head and baptized
her Josephine.
Ed and Josie lived on Farwell drive at the edge of Lake St. Clair until Ed’s sudden death in 1973. Ed was the founder of the Theut Products company in Mt. Clemons. His obituary noted that he was a member of Utica Council 2950, Knight sof Columbus for twenty seven years and had served as Grand Knight and District Deputy. He was a member of St. Louis Church of Mt. Clemons. He was buried in St. Mary’s cemetery, New Baltimore.
For further Theut family background, see Appendix C.
At the time of Maurice and Loretta’s marriage, Loretta was a pottery employee residing in Utica. Witnesses to that marriage were Joseph Callewaert and Dorothy DeGrandchamp. Maurice and Loretta currently reside in Utica.10. MAURICE CAMIL "EMIEL" CALLEWAERT3 (Maurits, Constant)
b. June 25, 1914 Detroit
d.
m. LORETTA IDA MARY DEGRANDCHAMP June 25, 1938 Utica (license #20200)
b. November 1, 1917 Centerline
d.
Issue:
22. A. Gary Albert b. 1-17-1940 Pontiac
23. B. Ronald Edwin b. 6-3-1944 Utica
24. C. Joyce Marie b. 9-5-1949
25. D. Mary Ann b. 2-4-1956 Utica
For further family background on Loretta see Appendix D.
When Gloria was born, Gerald was a steelworker residing in Centerline. When Arnold was born, the family resided in Roseville and Gerald was working in electronics.12. MARTHA "AGNES" CALLEWAERT3 (Maurtis, Constant)
b. February 21, 1916 Warren
d.
m. GERALD PETER RINKE June 23, 1936 Macomb County (License #18353)
b. September 6, 1916
d.
Issue:
27. A. Gloria Victorine b. 11-5-1937 Warren
28. B. Arnold Joseph b. 4-13-1941 Roseville
C. Daniel Gerald b. 2-15-1947 Utica
D.Geraldine Marie b. 9-12-1954 Highland Park
For further family information on Gerald see Appendix E.
Joseph’s sister, Josephine, was his Godmother, a position that caused her some concern at the time as she did not consider herself "old" enough to be a Godmother. Camile DeClerq was the Godfather and one who gave Joseph his middle name.13. JOSEPH FERDINAND CALLEWAERT3 (Maurtis, Constant)
b. May 19, 1922 Detroit
d.
1m. DOROTHY PAULINE VANKER June 13, 1942 Macomb County, license #23425)
b. March 12, 1922 Utica
d.
2m. MARY GERTRUDE (LICK) BLANK July 10, 1970 Utica
b. August 10, 1931 Mt. Clemons
Issue:
29. A. Joseph Gerald b. 9-2-1943
30. B. Carol Ann b. 6-30-1946
C. Rose Marie b. 10-1-195
D.Dorothy Jean b. 5-23-1958
Joseph immediately strikes one as a handsome, if not shy man of quiet power, capable of overcoming everyone with a smile. He attended Maple Lane school in his earlier days and was a member of St. Clements of Centerline Catholic Church while he lived on 15 Mile Road. Like his father, Joseph came to love the out of doors and gardening in particular. After his first marriage, he and Dorothy purchased a plot of flat land about a mile south of Dorothy’s father’s farm. Except for a five-acre stand of maple and hickory, the twenty acres was moist black dirt with a small creek separating the woods from the fields.
Joseph and Dorothy built their home on that land. While Joseph worked the fields, Dorothy planted and tended the bright flowers of all varieties that abounded the yard and around the new home. Dorothy had graduated from high school and knew Latin, thanks to the Dominican Order of Nuns of Utica where she was a member. She could sing Latin religious songs as well as play the piano and sing in the choir. She also loved needlework.
When Joseph Gerald and Carol Ann were quiet young, they became very sick and Dorothy wore herslef down caring for the children. She never fully recovered and in 1952 suffered a nervous breakdown. She spent various lengths of time in and out of the home. The children were cared for, during those times, by grandparents and aunts and uncles until they were old enough to return tot he farm and assist their father and remain with him. The senior Joseph kindly rejected suggestions from friends and family that he seek a divorce and find a mother to re-unite the family. He stout heartily maintained; "I am already married." However, in 1970 he did seek a divorce from Dorothy and was the second man in Macomb county history to be so granted a divorce.
In July of 1970 Joseph second married Mary Blank, a widow with two children. She was the daughter of Edward William and Irene (Kubiak) Lick. The couple were married by the Rev. Gerald F. Wiggle in the presence of Norma Jean Tyson and Raymond W. Tyson. Mary’s occupation at the time of her marriage was listed as matron. She and Joseph currently reside in Shelby Township, Macomb county along with her two children and Rose Marie. Dorothy Jean resides with her maternal aunt, Mrs. Herbert H. (Evelyn) Nieman, in Utica and is attending school there.
For a complete genealogical history on Dorothy Vanker’s family see Appendix F.
Henry was a fire chief with the Harrison Township Fire Department. He and Rita reside in Harrison Township.14. HENRY CAMIL "JOHN" CALLEWAERT3 (Gentil, Constant)
b. January 5, 1923 Warren
d.
m. RITA MILDRED WIEGAND June 2, 1945 Centerline
b. May 31, 1925 Centerline
d.
Issue: (all born in Mt. Clemons)
31. A. Pearl b. October 12, 1947
B.Henrietta Jean b. 8-21-1951
32. C. Jacquelyn Mary b. 4-17-1953
D.Charles Andrew b. 7-17-1957
E. John Henry b. 4-21-1962
Henrietta was a senior at Eastern Michigan University in 1972.
For further family history on Rita, see Appendix G.
Joseph’s son, Joseph Gerald, remembers how painstaking a task picking rhubarb can be. One must be careful to break stalks below the ground and not to pull or bruise them. Stalks must then be packed into boxes as carefully as prize roses. The plants are picked about three times a week.
While talking with Henry it was learned that he and Joseph, son of Maurtis, at one time contemplated going into business together, quick freezing rhubarb and then selling it. Judge Vokes had also made some mention of rhubarb and the fact that Belgians practically invented it. So with help of a February 28, 1973 Detroit News Kitchen Talk article, the following revelations are below shared with fellow Belgian enthusiasts. Rhubarb dates back to ancient times when it was used in medicine, but having it as a springtime treat only goes back to around the turn of the century. Ferdinand Schwartz, a Macomb county farmer, came upon a strange discovery that changed rhubarb growing from outdoor fields to hothouses. It seems farmer Schwartz got his wagon bogged down in a snow ban one day in the early 1900’s. He was carrying a heavy load of fertilizer and didn’t take him long to see he would be there until spring if he didn’t lighten his load. Grabbing a pitchfork, he began tossing the fertilizer onto the snow and was soon on his way home.
Traveling over the same road a few weeks later, Schwartz was surprised to find that the fertilizer had melted the snow in that area. And to his astonishment, he found that a rhubarb patch which had been under the snow was flourishing. Healthy little shoots were forcing their way out of the ground through the fertilizer. The miracle of rhubarb growing in the dead of winter was too great a discovery to keep a secret. Farmer Schwartz called in his neighbors and a new farming industry was born.
For years Macomb county grew about eighty-five percent of the hothouse rhubarb grown in the United States. Today, Michigan shares the lead with Washington. Growing rhubarb requires long, hard hours of work plus skills that have been handed down from generations to generation among the Belgian and German farmers who settled the Macomb county area.
Judy was adopted by Ed and Josie when she was five years old. Her natural parents were Clinton and Madeline Irvin, who lived near the Theut home, but found they could not raise Judy.15. MARIE ELIZABETH THEUT
b. February 27, 1930 Utica
d.
m. ALBERT MALBURG October 23, 1948 Utica
b. December 17, 1926
d.
Issue:
A. Karen b. 2-14-1950 m. Dale Goodhue
B. Nancy b. 4-26-1952
C. Richard b. 12-25-1954
D. Mary Jo b. 10-3-1955
E. Daniel b. 9-13-1957
F. Myron b. 3-27-1959
G. Suzanne b. 12-28-1960
H. Edwin b. 8-27-1962
I. Frederick b. 6-23-1964
J. Alison b. 10-3-1967
K. Joyce b. 5-26-1969
L. Regina b. 11-26-197116. JOAN LORRAINE THEUT
b. August 23, 1931 Utica
d.
m. VINCENT TROMBLEY May 29, 1952 Mt. Clemons
b. May 14, 1931
d.
Issue:
A. Terrance b. 2-22-1953
B. Jo Ellen b. 5-4-195517. EDWIN CLARENCE THEUT
b. November 26, 1932 Utica
d.
m. ELAINE SCHLAFF September 7, 1957 Mt. Clemons
b. June 27, 1936
d.
Issue
A. Edwin John b. 10-8-1962
B. Eric Joseph b. 10-10-1965
C. Evan DeForest b. 12-14-1969
D. Elaina Marie b. 8-29-197118. ALVIN HERBERT THEUT
b. November 17, 1934 Utica
d.
m. MARY ANN CZOPKO September 30, 1954 Detroit
b. August 28, 1934
d.
Issue:
A. Kimberly b. 3-27-1956
B. Cynthia b. 3-9-1957
C. David b. 6-9-1958
D. Julie b. 8-20-1959
E. Mary Sue b. 12-14-1960
F. Timothy b. 10-5-1963
G. Jeffery b. 1-24-1966
H. Christopher b. 10-19-196819. MARVIN JOSEPH THEUT
b. January 19, 1937 Utica
d.
m. JOY RICK October 18, 1958
b. September 16, 1939
d.
Issue:
A. Michelle b. 9-26-1959
B. Melonie b. 3-2-1960
C. Mary Gay b. 5-13-1962
D. Marvin Joe b. 6-23-1963
E. Mark b. 1-21-1966
F. Monica b. 8-22-1968
G. Michael b. 5-2-197220. JANICE CHARLOTTE THEUT
b. May 14, 1942 Utica
d.
m. MARVIN RIEDEL September 17, 1960
b. June 1, 1940
d.
Issue:
A. Sheri b. 4-14-1961
B. Rene b. 5-29-1963
C. Lori b. 4-4-1964
D. Rochelle b. 5-31-196921. JUDY IRWIN THEUT
b. June 18, 1944
d.
1m. THOMAS MORRIS July 4, 1963
b.
d.
Issue:
A. Thomas b. 11-9-1963
2m. CALMAN SZABO
b.
d.
Issue:
A. William b. 11-3-1965
B. Timothy b. 2-26-1967
3m. FRED MOSLEY
b.
d.
No children to this marriage
Gary and Marilyn were married by the Rev. Rene L. Desmarais, Catholic Priest. The marriage was witnessed by Nancy Theresa Douglas and John Jenuck. Marilyn is the daughter of Albon O. and Regina (Czarnomski) Utterback. She was a beautician at the time of her marriage to Gary. Gary and Marilyn currently reside in Mt. Clemons.22. GARY ALBERT CALLEWAERT4 (Maurice, Maurits, Constant)
b. January 17, 1940 Pontiac Michigan
d.
m. MARILYN ELAINE UTTERBACK October 17, 1964 Macomb county
b. Detroit (21 in 1964)
d.
Issue:
A. Dion b. 11-9-1966
B. Renea b. 7-20-1969
C. Roxann b. 3-13-1971
Ronald and Zita had only the twin boys before their divorce. Zita is the daughter of John and Martha (Fox) Nolan. At the time of the couple’s marriage, Zita was a cashier. Witnesses to the marriage were Michelle Nolon and William Engle. They were united in marriage by Joseph P. Plutter, Justice of the Peace in Utica.23. RONALD EDWIN CALLEWAERT4 (Maurice, Maurits, Constant)
b. June 3, 1944 Utica
d.
m. ZITA JO NOLAN January 29, 1966 Macomb County
b. Detroit
d.
Issue:
A. Rodrick Thomas b. 7-5-1966 (twin)
B. Rory John b. 7-5-1966 (twin)
At the time of marriage to Joyce, Danny was a mechanic and she was a sales clerk. They were united in marriage by the Rev. Lawerence Nawrocki of St. Lawrence Church. Witnesses were George Culver Jr. and Doreen Walker. Danny is the son of George Milton and Dona (D’Arcy) Culver.24. JOYCE MARIE CALLEWAERT4 (Maurice, Maurits, Constant)
b. September 5, 1949 Utica
d.
m. DANNY LEE CULVER September 10, 1971 Macomb County
b. December 31, 1948 Sault Ste Marie, Michigan
d.
John is the son of John T. and Mamie (Tuluk) Nestor. Mamie is the daughter of Arsa Tuluk25. KENNETH ALBERT DALE OSBORNE
b. February 14, 1939 Warren township
d.
m. Judy
b.
d.26. DALE GRANT OSBORNE
b. August 26, 1949 Mt. Clemons
d.
m. COLLEEN
b.
d27. GLORIA VICTORINE RINKE
b. November 5, 1935 Warren, Michigan
d.
m. JOHN DONALD NESTOR
b. April 12, 1936 Detroit
d.
Issue:
A. John Gerald b. 4-27-1956 Highland Park
B. Donald b. 9-16-1957 Highland Park, Michigan
Sandra is the daughter of Arthur and Josephine (Slesinski) Bauman.28. ARNOLD RINKE
b. April 13, 1941 Warren
d.
m. SANDRA LOUISE BAUMAN 1956
b. February 12, 1941 Warren
d.
Issue:
A. Denise Marie b. 5-30-1960 Detroit
B. Deborah Ann b. 12-8-1962
C. Doreen Elizabeth b. 3-25-1965 (baptized in St. Marks Church of Warren)
D. Douglas Joseph b. 10-5-1968
E. Daniel b. 2-23-1970
The family doctor at the time of Joseph’s birth was Dr. Wiley. In addition to the proud parents who welcomed Joseph home, a collie shepherd, Tippy, who the family later related saved the lad’s life; also greeted Joseph. Years later when Joseph wandered too near the creek and fell in face down, the dog braked until the parents came running – thus saving the boy from drowning. Joseph’s birth interrupted the tomato harvest, slightly, but it was a welcome interruption. He was later baptized at the St. Clements of Centerline Church.29. JOSEPH GERALD CALLEWAERT4 (Joseph, Maurits, Constant)
b. September 2, 1943 St. Joseph Hospital, Mt. Clemons
d.
m. MARY SHAW January 24, 1962 Flint, Genesse county Michigan
b. February 21, 1946
d.
Issue:
A. Kimberly Ann b. 6-14-1962
B. Joseph Shaw b. 1-29-1964
In 1961 he graduated from Utica high school. He worked at various jobs for short spells, including the Wayne County Sheriff Department, before he joined the Detroit Police Department on February 7, 1966. In 1969 he enrolled at Wayne State University and is currently attending that institution.
Mary is the daughter of John and Helen (Dixon) Shaw.
David is the son of Ronald W. and Leona (Cartwright) Telly. He was united in marriage by the Rev. S. Eckert, Catholic Priest. The ceremony was witnessed by Rose Marie Callewaert and Joseph Gerald Callewaert (of 14831 Bentler, Detroit). David’s occupation at the time of marriage was listed as factory worker. Carol and David currently reside in Utica, Michigan.30. CAROL ANN CALLEWAERT4 (Joseph, Maurits, Constant)
b. June 30, 1946 Mt. Clemons, Michigan
d.
m. DAVID LYNN TELLY August 13, 1966 Macomb County
b. June 19, 1943
d.
Issue:
A. David b. 3-3-1967
B. Michael b. 4-12-1970
C. Anthony
Paul is the son of William J. and Bernadette R. (Enright) Romberg. His occupation at the time of marriage was U.S. Army, 198th Per. Serv. Co. APO N.Y. The couple were married by the Rev. Ladislaus Barowski and witnessed by Rick Toth and Ann Ziegenfelder.31. PEARL CALLEWAERT4 (Henry, Gentil, Constant)
b. October 12, 1947 Mt. Clemons
d.
m. Paul B. ROMBERG June 2, 1967 St Louis Church Mt. Clemons, Michigan
b. February 21, 1947 Toronto, Canada
d.
Issue:
A. Suzanne b. 4-15-1968 Macomb County
B. William b. 4-14-1969
C. Karen b. 6-9-1970
D. Audrey b. 8-4-1971
Pearl and Paul currently reside in Clinton Township, Macomb County.
Michael is the son of Leonard Joseph and Helen Marie (Rokosky) Blasky. His occupation at the time of marriage was listed as U.S. Air Force, 2nd FIZ ADC WAFB, Oscoda, Michigan.32. JACQUELYN MARY CALLEWAERT4 (Henry, Gentil, Constant)
b. April 17, 1953 Mt. Clemons
d.
m. MICHAEL JOSEPH BLASKY June 24, 1972 Macomb County
b. June 28, 1952 Clark AFB, Manilla, Philippines
d.
The couple was united in marriage by the Rev. David E. Weisner of the St. Louis Church of Mt. Clemons. Witnesses to that marriage were Patrick Hauer and Michelle Wallace.
Before the French Revolution (1789-1799) only church records existed of births, deaths and marriages. At the close of the Revolution, Napoleon and the Pope reached an agreement whereby the Church would be part of the State and the Clergy would be required to take an oath to the civil authority. The revenues from the people would support the government, the government would support the church and the Priest. After this union, the State kept the vital statistics records as well as the Church.
The State records are a storehouse of information and have been included
under the individual caption in the succeeding pages and would any of the
readers understand Flemish. A chart of Marie DeClercq’s ancestors on the
preceding page will be followed by whatever information is available on
each in the same order as the letter on the chart, beginning with A. for
Jacques and Catherine (Verbeke) DeClerc
On April 28, 1818, three years after France awarded Belgium to the Netherlands, while the French language was still quite common in Flanders, we find notification by Jacques DeClercq, a day worker, born and residing in Gits, to the Mayor of that village, that a male child was born April 25, 1818 to Jacques and wife Catherine.A. JACQUES DECLERC
b. Circa 1788 in Gits
d.
m. CATHERINE VERBEKE
b. Circa 1792 in Haestgen
d.
issue:
A. Jacques b. April 25, 1818, 11am, Gits
Probably others
By 1822 the birth record of Maria was written in Flemish, as were all the records after that. Caesar, was a farm worker, born and residing in Gits, when he advised the Mayor that his wife, Francisca, a housewife, had given birth to a female child, Maria Theresia.
C. IGNATIUS CASTELEYN
b. Circa 1796 in Gits
d.
m. COLETA LIN
b. Circa 1797 in Gits
d. February 9, 1848 in Gits
issue:
A. Francis Xavier b. October 3, 1834, 1am Probably others
Ignatius was a weaver. In those days people had their own loom in their house. They would purchase thread from others, weave a piece and trade it in to purchase more thread.
The proud father brought news of Francis’ birth before the mayor on October 3, 1834 at 10:00 A.M. (See record in Flemish on page 37.)
D. LODIVICUS HERREMAN
b. Circa 1800 in Gits
d.
m. CHRISTINA DAVID
b. Circa 1801 in Beveren
d. October 30, 1851 in Gits
Issue:
A. Rosalie Herreman b. March 8, 1837, 1am, Gits Probably others
Beveren borders Gits, near Roeselares.
E. JACOBUS DE CLERCQ
b. April 25, 1818 Gits
d.
m. MARY THERESA DE NECKER
b. January 28, 1822 Gits
d.
Issue:
A. Felix b. November 12, 1856, 4am, Gits
B. Ferdinand b. October 14, 1851 Gits
d. March 22, 1938 Gits
m. Julia Debeuf
C. Jacobus b. March 1, 1850 Gits
d. March 21, 1925
m. Louise Mortier
Jacobus was a workman, uugust DeNecker born and residing in Gits at the time of Felix’s birth.
F. FRANCISCUS CASTELEYN
b. October 3, 1834 Gits
d. October 12, 1905 Gits
m. ROSALLA HERREMANS November
22, 1861 Gits
b. March 28, 1837 Gits
d. April 22, 1914
Issue:
A. Philomena b. September 3, 1862, 3am, Gits
B. Petrus b. May 22, 1865 Gits
d. May 28, 1938 Torhout
m. Marie-Mathilde DeCleir
C. Marie b. August 27, 1867 Gits
d. March 15, 1935 Gits
m. August DeNecker
b. January 19, 1866 Gits
d. October 7, 1928 Lichtervelde
D. Alida m. Henri DeWaele
b. January 21, 1870 Gits
d. July 23, 1935 Gits
E. Victorine b. May 17, 1870 Gits
d. May 4, 1939 Gits
m. Desire Van Haelbewyn
F. Leonie b. December 17, 1872 Gits
d. July 2, 1936 Gits
m. Richard Anne
G. Elodie b. January 22, 1874 Gits
d. October 7, 1918 Lichtervelde
m. Aldior DeClercq
H. Celina b. February 7, 1877 Gits
d. June 18, 1932 Gits
m. Victor Anne
Franciscsus was still in the armed services when he married Rosalia.
Gits records show that he was the oldest son of Ignus, a field workerman,
who was present and giving his consent to Franciscus’ marriage to Rosalia.
Coleta was already deceased. Rosalia’s father was also present and giving
his consent to the marriage;
Christina was already deceased.
Rosalia was a lace maker at the time of her marriage. The art of lacemaking is all but forgotten in Belgium today, except as a tourist attraction. In the 1800’s girls were taught lacemaking in the schools alongside reading, writing and arithmetic.
By the time of Philomena’s birth, Franciscus had taken up his father’s trade and was also a weaver. Franciscus and Rosalia had twelve children altogether, eleven girls and one boy.
On October 12, 1905, at 2 pm Desider VanHaelewyn, a brick oven worker, 39 years of age, and Henrick DeWaeler 35 years of age, also a brick over worker, went before the Gits Council and advised the Mayor, Reter Callewaert, that they were sons in law of Francis Xavier Casteleyn, a saloon keeper who resided in Gits, and that said Franciscus was deceased as of 9am that date in his home at Thorout Strat number 49.
G. FELIX DE CLERCQ
b. November 12, 1856 Gits
d. February 2, 1937 Gits
1m. PHILOMENA CASTELEYN June 7, 1882
b. September 3, 1862 Gits
d. December 1, 1918 Gits
2m. CLEMENTIA LIEVENS
b. November 4, 1859 Ardooie
d. February 1, 1935 Gits
1m. Jan Rose
Issue: (all by first marriage)
Philomena was not yet 21 at the time of this marriage. She gave her occupation as worker. She was the daughter of Franz and Rosalie Casteleyn, both working people, living in Gits, and both present and giving their consent.
Felix had completed his military obligation – as all young men of Belgium
were required to do – because of conscription.
1. MARIE DE CLERCQ
b. July 6, 188
m. Maurits Callewaert
See page 6 of Callewaert family genealogy
2. CAMILE DE CLERC
b. January 12, 1883 Git
d. July 13, 1955 Durand,
Shiawassee County, Michigan
m.
Issue:
A. Maurice b. December
8, 1919 Durand, Michigan
d. August 1, 1962 Portland, Ionia County, Michigan
B. Robert b. June, 1930
3. HECTOR DECLERCQ
b. June 5, 1884 Gits
d. March 23, 1956
m. Leonie Berghman
4. EMMA DE CLERCQ
b. July 2, 1886 Gits
d. May 4, 1965 St. Johns,
Clinton County, Michigan
m. CAMILE KESTELOOT
b. September 1, 1887
d. June 25, 1956 St. Johns, Michigan
Issue
A. __________d. in Belgiu
B. Margarite b. August
1914
C. Albert
b. September 19, 1944 Gratiot County, Michigan
d. September 17, 1923 in France during WWII.
5. JULIUS "JOE" DE CLERCQ
b. October 7, 1889 Git
d. October 2, 1968 Grass
Lake, Jackson County, Michiga
m. LILLIAN ____________
Divorced
6. CYRIEL "JIM" DE CLRECQ
b.
d.
m. AGNES MOENAERT
Issue:
A. William who was a Macomb
County Commissioner
B. James
C. Ronald who was a Sterling
Heights foreman
D. Jean
m. Oscar Chappitan
Jim and Agnes reside in Utica. Agne’s mother’s name is Pauline.
7. MARTHA DE CLERCQ
b.
d.
1m. ARTHUR VERFAILLIE
b. June 22, 1887 Ledgeham, Belgium
d. May 22, 1928 Assebrouck, Belgium
2m. JOZEF LEON VERHOEST
b. December 24, 1896 Gits
d. May 5, 1968 Roeselare
Issue: (By first husband)
A. Solange m. Maurice Brusselle
8. VICTORINE DE CLERCQ
b. December 24, 1896 Gits
d. May 5, 1968
m. HEER AMAAT BOSSIER
b. January 30, 1894 Torhout
d. July 20, 1948 Gits
Issue
A. Norber
B. Norberta m. Maeseele
9. ALOIS DE CLRECQ
b. October 17, 1895 Gits
d. May 6, 1928 Detroit
m. PHILOMENE COLLINS
Emil and Elodie had three children:
A. Lena
b.
d
m. CAMIL WILLAEYS
B. Mary who marries Gentil Callewaert (see page 17.)
C. Henry
b.
d.
m. MARY VAN LERBERGHE
Emil was a farmer to the core and considered anyone without a farm to not be fulfilling his role in society. Emil’s brother, Henry, married Mathide___________. She was born September 16, 1876 in Aeltre, Belgium and died in Warren, Macomb County, Michigan on September 8, 1934.
Edwin Theut’s great grandfather’s name could not be found in searching’s
of records or in the memories of those family members contacted. It was
thought by several members of the Theut family that the progenitor of this
family in America arrived while his son, Peter, Edwin’s grandfather, was
but a lad. Edwin remembered it said that Peter was two years old at the
time. Jacob remembered Peter saying he was eleven when the family arrived.
Nina Rinke Ettinger indicated in her book on the Rinke family that the
Theut’s came over on the same ship that Rinke’s did in 1861. The only information
available at this point is census information, which will be given where
available.
A. _____________THEUT
b. Rhine Valley, Germany
d. Michigan
m._____________
b. Schlessing Holstein, Germany
d.
Issue:
A. Peter m. Anna Tieche (more later)
B. Charles who was a Detroit Fireman
C. Jacob
D. Frank (Possibly had 2 sons Gilbert and Frank)
E. Chris who was a sign painter in Detroit
F. John
G. ____________m.
Edward Marks
H. ____________m.
John Distelrath
I. _____________m.
(William or Lawrence) Disterlrath
The elder Theut died while working in a farmer’s field of hay, but the
family could not remember if that was in Wayne or Macomb County. Jacob
(John, Peter) also remembered that two Theut brothers, sons of the progenitor
in America, ran a blacksmith and carriage shop in Detroit at Gratiot and
St. Antoine. The 1880 census shows the following:
| THEUT, Jacob 38/ | Wagon maker | born in Prussia of Prussian Pts. |
| Gertrude 38/ | Housekeeper | born in Prussia of Prussian parents |
| Catherine 11/ | born in Michigan | |
|
John 9/
Margaret 7/ Peter 4/ Theresa 2/ |
||
| THEUT, John 53/ | Carriage manufactuer | born in Prussia, Prussian pts. |
| Margaret 38/ | born in Prussia, Prussian pts. | |
|
Mary 15/
Christiana 11/ Anna 9/ John 8/ Gertrude 7/ Frank 5/ Jacob 2/ |
born in Michigan
|
B. _____________TIECHE
b.
d.
m.
Issue:
A. Anna
m. Peter Theut
B. Paul married but had
no children
C. Matilda who never married.
She was called "The Apple Women" by Detroiters because she sold apples
on the streets of Detroit until her death.
The Tieche family resided on Twelve Mile Road in Macomb County.
E. PETER THEUT2 (______)
b. pssibly Koblitzer (across Rhine
from Frankfort, Germany)
d. Warren, Michigan
m. ANNA TIECHE
b.
d.
Issue:
A. John m. Emma Vandenable
Issue: John m. Alice Detloff
George m. Katherine Wiegand
Jacob unmarried
Lawrence m. Susan Knauf
Arthur
Walter m. _________Peters
B. Matilda m. Louis Susick
Issue:
A. Louis
B. Margaret
C. Florence unmarried
D. Otto
E. Arthur
F. Esther
G. Gilbert
H. Ernest
C. Catherine m. William Daily
Issue: Edward
William
Catherine
D. Mary d. young
E. Peter m. Elizabeth Distelrath (More later)
F. Jacob b. April 30, 1873 m. Evelyn Trombley
Issue: Margaret m. ________Campbell of Capnac
Florence b. July 23, 1918 m. Hugo Rinke
Esther m. Louis Campbell of Almont
Clement m. Margaret Metter
Bernard m. Virginia Burg
Issue: Virginia and Marie
The 1880 Warren Township, Macomb county census lists the following:G. Joseph m. Francis RaushJacob operated a dairy farm on the northwest corner of Maple and Dequindre roads until his death in 1951.
Issue: Ralph resides in Oklahoma City
Herbert resides in Texas
Donald resides in TexasH. William m. Cecilia S. Groesbeck
Issue: Mary Genevieve b. 2-10-1907
Cecilia b. 1-24-1908 m. Louis Schoenherr
Leo b. 6-1-1913
Anastasia b. 3-30-1911 m. Joe Dooley
Gertrude m. Ben Hoste
Honey m. Belagerache of Windsor
Raymond Clemet b. 1-15-1922
Mary Agnes b. 2-6-1917I. Margaret m. Wilmer Nelson
Issue: Majorie and WilamJ. May d. young when she spilled scalding hot water on herself
| THEUT, Peter 44/ | Farmer | born in Prussia of Prussian parents |
| Anna 34/ | born in Prussia of parents | |
| John 17/ | born in Michigan | |
|
Catherine 16/
Mary C. 14/ Matilda 12/ Peter 10/ Jacob 8/ Mathias 5/ May A. 2/ |
G. PETER P. THEUT
b. October 31, 1870 Warren,
Michigan
d. July 11, 1951Centerline,
Michigan
m. ELIZABETH DISTELRATH
November 23, 1904 St. Clair, Michigan
b. June 7, 1882 St. Clair, Michigan
d. January 13, 1939 Centerline, Michigan
Issue:
A. Edwin b. October 7, 1905
B. Clarence William b. August 21, 1909
m. Ann Martens
Issue: 2 sons
C. Elizabeth Irene b. August 20, 1913
m. Joseph Tessmore (Divorced)
CHART OF LORETTA DEGRANDCHAMP'S LINEAL ANCESTORS
APPENDIX D
A. PETER DESCRANCHAMP
b. Circa
1808 France
d.
m. ROSALIE
DUFFLO
b. Circa 1820 France
d.
Issue:
A. Henry b. 10-27-1854
B. William M. b. 11-5-1857 m. Anna
Grobbel
C. Bartholomew
m. Barbara Warner
D. John
m. Margaret__________
Possibly others
E. HENRY DESGRANCHAMP2 (Peter)
b. October 27, 1854
d. June 18, 1898 buried
in St. Clemens cemetery
m. MARGRET BERGER
b.
d.
Issue:
A. Louisa
b. June 10, 1882
d. January 11, 1964
m. Louis Rinke
B. Henry
m. Loretta Campbell
Possibly others
Henry was killed by lightening. A rather complete genealogy of William (Peter) and Anna Grobbel’s family could be found in Nina Rinke Ettinger’s manuscript on the Rinke family.
G. HENRY DEGRANDCHAMP3 (Henry, Peter)
b.
d.
m. LORETTA CAMPBELL
b.
d.
Issue:
A. Unnamed b. November
30, 1914
B. Loretta Mary b. November 1, 1917
C. Henry M. b. September
5, 1919
D. Dorothy
b. January 22, 1922
Henry was a Warren Township farmer.
A. CHRISTOPHER RINKE
b. February
10, 1809 Heiligenstadt, Kaltenberg, Prussia
d. January 2,
1876 buried St. Clemens cemetary
m. CHRISTINE
KUHN Circa 1831 probably Kaltenberg
b. November 11, 1808 Kaltenberg
d. October 18, 1885 buried St. Clements
Issue: (All
born Kaltenberg, Prussia)
A. Anne Marie
b. 2-10-1832
B. Andreas
b. 12-31-1833
C. Johannes
b. 8-27-1835
D. Frantz
b. 4-21-1837
E. George
b. 1-16-1839
F. Anna Margarette
b. 4-2-1841
G. Carl "Charles"
b. 5-16-1843
H. Christopher
b. 9-10-1846
I. Frantz Joseph "Joseph" b. 2-27-1850
Soon after the last son was born, the entire Rinke family moved from Heiligenstadt to a farm in the mountains Lake District of Ratenburg, Neu Rosenthal, East Prussia. :Christoph and his seven cons worked hard and improved the property to such a degree that a man of wealth admired it and wanted it for a resort. Mr. Rinke accepted the offer and with the money received, bought passage to America for the entire family."8
July 22, 1861 the entire family left Ratenburg for America, and on February
26, 1862, Christoph founded the Rinke family fortune on forth acres of
farm land, now 31890 Hoover Road, Warren. The land was purchased from Joseph
and Mary Kuhn. (It is not know if this "kuhn" was related to Christine.)
| NOTE: Tombstone inscriptions copied by the Louisa St. Clair Chapter of the DAR from St. Clements cemetery show Christoph's date of birth to be January 10, 1811 and Christine's date of birth to be November 11, 1806. The above dates were taken from Nina Rinke Ettinger's book, The Rinke Family, which states John A. Rinke has the family papers giving the dates of birth she uses. For this reason, I too will not use the dates on the tombstones. |
The story was told that the six older Rinke sons joined the Union Army during the Civil War. Joseph, who was too young, joined as a drummer boy, but was sent home when they learned his true age.
B. JOSEPH WARNER
m. BARBARA MILLER
b. Circa 1826
d. Circa 1900
Issue:
A. Magdalene
b. April 15, 1847 Buffalo, N.Y.
B. Barbara
b. April 15, 1847 Buffalo, N.Y.
Possibly others
The Warners came to America from Strassburg, Germany.
E. ANDREAS "ANDREW" RINKE2 (Christoph)
b. December 31, 1833 Kaltenberg,
Prussia
d. January 19, 1894 Warren
Township, buried St. Clements
m. MAGDALENE WARNER
b. April15, 1847
d. January 21, 1917 Warren
Township, buried St. Clements
Issue: (all born in Warren, Michigan)
A. Joseph
b. 10-12-1868
B. Frank
b. 8-15-1869
C. Mary
b. 2-22-1871
D. Rose
b. 9-2-1872
E. Catherine
b. 11-20-1875
F. Bartholomew
b. 1-26-1878
G. Barbara
b. 12-25-1875
H. John A.
b. 6-5-1884
I. Helena
b. 12-26-1886
J. Christopher
d. infancy
K. Anna
d. infancy
Andrew farmed the original farm bought by Christoph in 1862 and continued
to run the mill started by the older Rinke. As was related above, Andrew
joined the Union Army when the Civil War broke out. He has told his children
he was so hungry during the war that he would search through his pockets
for crumbs to eat and think longingly of the delicious meals prepared by
his mother. He said the drinking water was tinged with blood. Andrew dies
of pneumonia January 19, 1894 and is buried in St. Clements cemetery.
| NOTE: The 1880 Federal census for Warren Township, Macomb county, Michigan, lists Andrew as a farmer born in Prussia of Prussian parents. Magdalene his wife was born in Pennsylvania of French parents. The children then listed with Mary the oldest at thirteen years. The remaining children are in order as given above by Mrs. Ettinger. Also listed in Andrew's household is his mother Christina. |
F. JACOB THEISEN
1m. ROSE MAYER
2m. ANTOINETTE
Issue: (by first marriage)
A. Rose
b. 8-14-1880 Centerline
B. John
b. 5-10-1871 d. 11-30-1954
m. Barbara Rinke
C. Anthony T.
b. in 1876 d. in 1936
Issue: (By second marriage)
D. Jacob
G. BARTHOLOMEW RINKE3 (Andrew, Christoph)
b. January 26, 1878
Warren
d. December 23, 1960
m. ROSE THEISEN
b. August 14, 1880 Centerline
d.
Issue:
A. Clinton
m. Josephine Miller
B. Jacob
m. Mary Ritareous
C. Herbert
m. Louise Waey
D. Harvey
m. Irene Habel
E. Frederick
drowned unmarried
F. James
m. Adeline DeMillionaire
G. Gerald
m. Agnes Callewaert
H. Marie
m. Raymond Pauli
The entire Vanker family genealogy will be included at this point,
thanks to Rose (Vanker) and Primo J. Sciarini of Detroit. The dates and
places provided were checked and corrected in a few instances, but the
majority of the information is as was given by the Sciarinis.
A letter in the possesion of Primo indicates the Vankers of America were originally "VanKersschaver" of Belgium. Charles VanKesschaver had a son, Joseph Henry, who was born in Lssewege, Belgium, on May 8, 1781. He married Jeane Therese VanBrabant, who was born in St. Pieters of du Dyh and they had a son, Franz, born December 6, 1813. The letter further indicates that both Joseph and his son, Franz, were millers.
Years ago in Belgium windmills were a common sight and were used to
grind grain. A family with a windmill was considered quite wealthy. Each
family could have only an assigned number mills – to control competition.
Today the few windmills not destroyed duringthe last war, are protected
by the government, but in 1813, a miller was a man of wealth.
A. FRANZ VAN KERSSCHAVER
b. December 6, 1813
Lissewege
d. March 7, 1883 Brugges
1m. FRANCES CONSTANDT
2m. ROSALIE VAN KERRSCHAEVER
in 1850 Lissewege
b.
d. February 5, 1863 Lissewege
Issue: (all born at
Lissewege, Belgium)
A. Rosalie
b. 6-12-1840
d. May 3, 1914
m. Joseph D’Hondt
B. Bernard
m. Mabessene
C. Louis
m. Aernarth
D. Petrus
d. unmarried
E. Justine
b. 10-23-1827
d. 11-19-1934 Hiesh m. Peter DeGroote
Issue by second marriage:
F. Florena Frances b. 12-12-1850
d. 3-17-1882
m. Peter Trarez DeSmidt
G. James
b. 4-24-1852
d. 6-22-1929 Escher
m. __________Coolherke 8-3-1880
Issue: Rene Bernard
b. 9-8-1881 Bruges
Joseph Louis
b. 6-10-1885
Steven Joseph
b. 6-12-1886
George
b. 2-3-1890 Ghent
d. 4-22-1948 Brussels
m. 9-14-1912 Antwerp
Issue: Willy b. 2-4-1912
Paul b. 2-28-1919
H. Stephanie
b. 8-7-1853
d. 7-9-1933
m. Constant Van Kersschaver
I. Euphrasia
b. 6-18-1855
d. 3-10-1935 Heist m. Frederic Hoszie
J. Franz
b. 4-5-1860
K. Elodie
b. 5-4-1861
d. 2-12-1869
Franz was apparently a rather wealthy man in Belgium and each year when
one of his children graduated from college, he gave them a dowry. However,
just before Frank graduated, Franz lost his wealth and was unable to provide
his youngest son with the rewards given the older sons. Instead, he asked
each of his older sons to contribute a portion of their wealth so Frank
would have funds to start out with. The older siblings refused.
Frank left Belgium, angry and poor, not to return again until 1912. When he left and when he arrived in America is not known. Rose Sciarini remembered her father and his name changed soon after arriving in Detroit area, and before he married Minnie in 1890. However, a search of the Wayne county probate records did not indicate such a name change. Father Paillieu of Our Lady of Sorrows Church suggested perhaps when Frank tried to give his name, listeners found it difficult to spell and therefore they shortened it for him. Soon he called himself "Vanker."
1. FRANK VANKER
b. April 5, 1860 Lissewege,
Belgium
d. June 12, 1939 Detroit
m. MINNIE DANNEELS June
26, 1890 Detroit, Our Lady of Sorrows Church
b. October 16, 1866 Belgium
d.
Issue: (All but August born
in Detroit)
2.
A. August
b. 10-1-1890 St. Clair, Michigan
3.
B. Frank
b. 11-9-1892
C. Mary Jane
b. June 6, 1894 d. several hours later.
She is
buried in Mt. Olivet cemetery under
"Baby Vanker" in Section 4, Lot 456.
She was buried from the House of
Providence (Providence Hospital)
from the Marshall.
4.
D. Emil
b. 10-3-1895
5.
E. John L. "Jack" b. 11-14-1898
6.
F. Rose
b. 12-28-1900
7.
G. Richard b. 6-10-1904
H. Arthur
b. June 1, 1909 d.
August 26, 1912. Arthur is buried in
Mt. Olivet cemetery, Section 42, Lot 91.
He was buried from Our Lady of
Sorrows Church at age 3. His home
address at the time of death was
974 Pennsylvania. The VanLeberghe
Funeral Home took care of arrangements.
The date of burial on cemetery records
is August 29, 1912.
Both Church and official marriage license records indicate Frank was 29/ and Minnie 23/ at the time of their marriage. His occupation was listed as bookkeeper. Her occupation was listed as "dam". Witnesses to the marriage were Emil Danneels of Detroit and Emma Danneels of Detroit. They were joined in marriage in June 1890 by the Rev. Henry DeGryse of Our lady of Sorrows Church. (This was the first wedding blessed by the Rev. DeGryse at the church.) However, there is a discrepancy as to which day in June the couple wed. Church records indicate June 25, 1890. Wayne county records indicate June 26, 1890.
The 1892 Detroit cross-index shows Frank Vanker, a laborer, owning his home at 18 Harrison, between Michigan avenue and Cherry street. (The house number after 1921 would be 2258 Harrison.)
The 1912 cross-index indicates Frank Vanker, a chemical worker, living and owning the home at 974 Pennsylvania avenue. Also living at that address were; August Vanker, machinist, boarding; Emil Vanker, hand machinist, boarding; Frank Vanker Jr., boarding. In 1912 Pennsylvania avenue was described in the cross-index as: "running from Detroit Water Works Park, north to Aylvester. Paved with Cedar to Mack Avenue."9 With the change in house numbers in 1921, 974 Pennsylvania would become 4414 Pennsylvania.
Our Lady of Sorrows Church records indicates Frank Vanker died at 76 years of age on the 12th of June 1939 and was buried in Mt. Olivet cemetery on the 15th of June.
Minnie Danneels parents were as follows:
AUGUST DANNEELS
b. 1833
d. April 9, 1913 at 80 years of
age in Detroit
m. ROSALIE MORTIER
b. 1843
d. about August 9, 1888 at 45 years of age in Detroit
Issue:
Honore d. July 16,
at 16 months
Minnie b. October 16, 1866 Belgium
Augusts and Rosalies death certificates did not reflect their parents
names.
2. AUGUST EMIL VANKER2 (Frank)
b. October 1, 1890 St. Clair,
Michigan
d.
1m. PAULINE E. ALTENBRANDT
July 19, 1910 Detroit
b. October 8, 1891 Germany
d. December 9, 1953 Detroit buried Mt. Olivet
2m. THERESA DeCAIRE October
2, 1954 Macomb county (license #39504)
b. September 30, 1899
d.
Issue: (All by first wife)
8. A. Helen
b. 1-24-1911
9. B. Evelyn
b. 9-3-1914
10.C. Margaret
b. 11-1-1916
11. D. August Jr.
b. 7-29-1917
12. E. Dorothy Pauline
b. 3-12-1922
13. F. Charles Herbert
b. 12-6-1924
Pauline and Augusts marriage record indicates August was 20/ and Pauline was 19/ at the time of their marriage. The record also states both parties were born in Michigan. August’s occupation was machinist. Witnesses to the marriage were Frank Vanker of Detroit and Alice Martins of Detroit. The couple was united in marriage by the Rev. Charles (and who appears to be) Wilhelm, Catholic Priest (Detroit marriage license 72233). Pauline’s parents were listed as Charles and Pauline (Becker) Altenbrandt.
Pauline’s newspaper obituary read as follows:
Pauline was buried in Lot 836, Section 20 of Mt. Olivet cemetery on December 12, 1953 by Schwarzhoff-Millken Funeral Home.Mrs. Pauline Vanker 62/ of 11474 21 Mile Road, Utica, passed away suddenly early Wednesday morning at Herman Keifer Hospital, Detroit. Both Pauline Aldenbrandt, she came to the United States with her family at age three.She married August Vanker in Detroit where they resided until moving to their farm on 21 Mile Road thirty three years ago. She was a faithful member of St. Lawrence Catholic Church and Ladies Alter Society. Surviving besides her children were a brother, William and a sister, Mrs. Walter Bringard. She had 21 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.
3. FRANK VANKER2 (FRANK)
b. November 9, 1892 Detroit
d. April 2,1966 St Clair county, Michigan
m. LAURA NAEYERT August 7, 1917 Centerline
b. October 10, 1896
d.
Issue:
14. A. Russell
b. 9-13-1919
15. B. Donald
b. 12-29-1922
16. C. Laureen
b. 10-9-1927
Frank was baptised in Our Lady of Our Sorrows Church on November 27, 1892 as the child of Francis and Melani Danneels. Sponsors were Emil Daniels and Emma Daniels.
Frank and Laura resided in Utica since 1927. He was a retired toll and die maker for Ex-Cello Corporation of Detroit at the time of his death in an automobile accident in St. Clair county. The family was of St. Lawrence of Utica Catholic Church. Frank was buried in Mt. Olivet cemetery.
Laura’s parents were as follows:
GUSTAVE NAYAERT
m. LEONA DELMITE
Issue:
A. Dave
B. Laura
C. Lillian
m. Richard
D. Ida
b. 5-1-1901
m. Earl Rinke
E. Mary
m. Finn
F. Evelyn
m. Finn
G. Albert
m. Kathleen L.
4. EMIL VANKER2 (Frank)
b. October 3, 1895
d. May 26, 1918 in action
during WWI
m. MILDRED THOMPSON September
12, 1917
b. August 3, 1897
d.
Emil and Mildred had no children at the time of Emil’s death. The Roose-Vanker American Legion Post was named in memory of ex-servicemen of Belgian extraction, who served with the U.S. Army during the World War, came frequently together at impromptu meetings and gatherings to discuss the formation of a veterans organization.
On April 14, 1920at a meeting called at 8800 Mack Avenue, Detroit, Michigan, it was decided to apply for a charter as an American Legion Post.
The following veterans signed the application for an American Legion Post: George Brouckaret, Arthur Balduck, Constant Brouke, Phil Vanderginst, Achiel Oosterlink, Emiel Braet, Adiel Denolf and Richard Roose.
The name of the Roose-Vanker Post was chosen as the name of this organization in memory of the late Camiel Roose and Emiel Vanker, two veterans of Belgian descent enlisted from Detroit, killed in action with the A.E.F. in France.
The organization was approved as a Legion Post at National Headquarters, Indianapolis on June 18, 1920, and from then on was officially known as the Roose-Vanker Post no. 286, the American Legion, Department of Michigan.10
5. JOHN L. VANKER2 (Frank)
b. November 14, 1898
Detroit
d. August 2, 1964
Detroit
m. MILDRED A. SIMONDS
September 15, 1929
b. November 7, 1906
d.
Issue:
17.
A. John L. Jr.
b. 8-21-1929
18.
B. Mary
b. 7-12-1933
John was commonly known as "Jack" Vanker. He died in Henry Ford Hospital after a short illness. He was president of JoAd Industries Inc, an automotive tool firm. He and his family resided on DeVonshire street on Detroit’s east side prior to his death. He attended St. Matthew’s Catholic Church on Harper and Whittier.
He was baptized in Our Lady of Sorrows Church on November 27, 1898, son of Francis and Minnie. Witnesses were Camil DeCack and Mrs. Henry Vecke (spelling unclear).
6. ROSALIE MARY ELIZA VANKER2 (Frank)
b. December 28, 1900 Detroit
d.
m. PRIMO JOHN SCIARINI September
17, 1929 St. Catherine’s Church, Detroit
b. March 17, 1901 Montgomery county, Illinois
d.
Issue:
19. A.
James b. 5-26-1931 Detroit
Rose was baptized in Our Lady of Sorrows Church on January 13, 1901. Witnesses were Octaive Daniels and Eliza Daniels.
Primo’s parents are as follows:
JULIUS SCIARINI
b. July 8, 1869 Italy
d.
m. VIRGINIA COLOMBO
b. February 8, 1877 Italy
d.
Paper in the possession of Primo show his father became a citizen of the United States on October 20, 1896, while residing in Montgomery county, Illinois and while employed as a coal miner there.
7. RICHARD CLEMENT VANKER2 (Frank)
b. June 10, 1904 Detroit
d.
m. KATHERINE SIMONDS June 17,
1925 Assumption Grotto Church, Detroit
b. December 17, 1903
d.
Issue:
20. A. Richard
b. 6-6-1926
21. B. Jeanne
b. 12-3-1927
Richard was baptized in Our Lady of Sorrows Church on June 19, 1904. Witnesses were August Vanker and Clementina Gallagher.
Katherine is the sister of Mildred A. Simonds, wife of John L. Vanker.
Richard and Katherine resided in Milford, Michigan.
8. HELENA FRANCISCA VANKER3 (August, Frank)
b. January 24, 1911 Detroit
d.
m. WILLIAM GRITZINGER January
18, 1930
b. October 9, 1908
d.
Issue:
22. A.
Pauline
b. 8-28-1930
23. B.
Elaine
b. 1-18-1932C.
24. C.
William
b. 8-11-1934
25. D.
Joanne
b. 10-20-1936
26. E.
Robert
b. 6-29-1940
27. F.
Linda
b. 3-12-1943
G. Ronald
b. 8-8-1951
d. 12-25-1955
Helen was baptized at Our Lady of Sorrows Church on February 12, 1911. Witnesses were Franciscus Vanker and Francisca Alderbrand.
9. EVELYN VANKER3 (August, Frank)
b. September 3, 1914, Detroit
d.
m. HERBERT H. NIEMAN June
20, 1935 Macomb county
b. September 29, 1908
d.
Issue:
27. A.
Darryle b. 12-18-1940
28. B.
Diana b. 3-17-1944
Dorothy Jean Callewaert resides with Evelyn and Herbert while she attends Utica High School. For Nieman ancestry, see Appendix H.
10. MARGARET VANKER3 (August, Frank)
b. November 1, 1916
Detroit
d.
m. RICHARD KAGE April
16, 1937
b. May 28, 1915
d.
Issue:
30.
A. Beverly b. 10-13-1938
31.
B. Arthur
b. 1-16-1940
32.
C. Richard b. 6-24-1943
D. Karen b. 2-20-1947
Margaret and Dick reside in Macomb county, Macomb Township.
11. AUGUST LAURENCE VANKER3 (August, Frank)
b. July 30,
1917
d.
m. EDNA ELVINA
SCHOFF August 30, 1940 St. Lawrence of Utica Catholic Church
b. December 6, 1918 Michigan
d.
Issue:
33.
A. Barbara Ann
b. 6-29-1941 Washington Township
34.
B. Janice Louise
b. 10-19-1946 Washington Township
August baptized at Our Lady of Sorrows Church on August 19, 1917. Sponsors were Emil Vanker and Laura Vanker.
Barbara’s birth certificate listed August as an industrial shop worker who resided in Romeo; Janice’s birth certificate listed August as a farmer, residing in Washington Township.
12. DOROTHY PAULINE VANKER3 (August, Frank)
b. March 12, 1922
d.
m. JOSEPH FERDINAND
CALLEWAERT June 13, 1942
(SEE CALLEWAERT FAMILY INFORMATION)
13. CHARLES HERBERT VANKER3 (August, Frank)
b. December 6, 1924
Shelby Township
d.
m. AUDREY ELIZABETH
RIECK September 11, 1945
b. June 1, 1927 Michigan
d.
Issue:
35.
A. James Charles
b. 11-10-1947
36.
B. Gerald Robert
b. 8-2-1949
37.
C. Jean Marie
b. 3-8-1952
38.
D. John Richard
b. 1-8-1954
E. Joseph b. 6-6-1956
F. Janet Elizabeth
b. 1-8-1957
Charles was a farmer, residing in Utica at the time of births of his children.
14. RUSSELL F. VANKER3 (Frank, Frank)
b. September
13, 1919
d.
m. MILDRED L.
CARLSON February 19, 1944
b. September 12, 1924
d.
Issue:
A. David Russell
b. 9-19-1944 Mt. Clemens
B. Sue
b. 11-24-1946
C. Kenny
b. 7-10-1948
D. Bruce
b. 4-1-1954
At the time of the birth of David, Russell F. was an apprentice seaman in the U.S. Navy and Mildred resided in Warren. Russell and Mildred later moved to Allentown, Michigan.
15. DONALD T. VANKER3 (Frank, Frank)
b. December 29, 1922
Michigan
d.
m. OLETTA R. RIDENOUR
November 14, 1942
b. June 14, 1923 Michigan
d.
2m. 1946 Macomb county license #28147
Issue:
A. Anthony Donald b. August
30, 1944 Mt. Clemens
m. Paula Valentine September 4, 1965
Issue: Twins born August 6, 1966
At the time of birth of Anthony, Donald was a Private in the U.S. Army. Oletta resided in Warren. Donald was killed in action during World War II. Oletta remarried after his death, but the name of her second husband was not known.
16. LAUREEN VANKER (Frank, Frank)3
b. October 9,
1927
d.
m. JOHN BOPP
October 6, 1956
b.
d.
Issue:
A. John
b. 6-21-1957
B. Laura
b. 10-29-1958
C. Gary
b. 11-8-1961
Laureen and John reside in Warren, Michigan.
17. JOHN L. VANKER3 (John, Frankl)
b. August 21,
1929
d.
m. ELAINE BETHEL
May 28, 1955
b. September 17, 1932
d.
Issue:
A. Mary b. 2-21-1956
B. John
b. 5-15-1957
C. Frank b. 12-28-1959
D. David b. 7-1-1965
John is associated with the Butzel, Long Eaman, Gust and Kennedy firm. He and Elaine reside in Grosse Point Shores.
18. MARY VANKER3 (John, Frank)
b. July 12, 1933
d.
m. JOHN V. THOMPSON
August 11, 1956
b. April 8, 1926
d.
Issue:
A. Christine
b. 7-4-1957
B. Amy
b. 9-11-1961
19. JAMES SCIARINI3 (Primo, Julius)
b. May 26, 1931 Wayne
County
d.
m. MAGDELINE HOLZCHULT
September 11, 1954
b. September 21, 1931
d.
Issue:
A. James b. 6-3-1955
B. Judith b. 6-13-1956
C. Michael b. 2-2-1959
D. Denise b. 11-13-1965
James and Magdeline reside in Fort Wayne, Indiana where James works for Fruehoff Company.
20. RICHARD VANKER3 (Richard, Frank)
b. June 6, 1926
d.
m. DOROTHY MILLER
June 28, 1947
b. January 17, 1928
d.
Issue:
A. Richard b. 5-30-1948
B. David b.
7-24-1950
C. Steven b. 1-5-1952
D. Judith
b. 3-26-1954
E. Sandra b.
7-23-1962
21. JEANNE VANKER3 (Richard, Frank)
b. December 3, 1927
d.
m. ART VAN BROOK April
4, 1948
b. February 3, 1927
d.
Issue:
A. Jeanne b. 9-13-1957
B. Robert b. 8-15-1959
C. Diana
b. 5-14-1963
22. PAULINE GRITZINGER
b. August 28,
1930
d.
m. DON MILLER
August 7, 1954
b. September 29, 1929
d.
Issue:
A. Walter b. 12-26-1929
23. ELAINE GRITZINGER
b. Januarys18, 1932
d.
m. NICK KLEIN July
26, 1950
b. January 14, 1927
d.
Issue:
A. Danny b. 10-8-1951
B. Roger b.
2-24-1953
C. Janet
b. 6-11-1954
D. Kathy b.
4-6-1958
24. WILLIAM GRITZINGER
b. August
11, 1934
d.
m. ICIE
GILLISPIE August 11,
b. June 24, 1937
d.
Issue:
A. Richard b. 6-24-1958
B. Kenneth b. 8-2-1962
25. JOANNE GRITZINGER
b. October 20, 1936
d.
m. LLOYED THOMPSON
June 7, 1958
b. June 14, 1936
d.
Issue:
A. Cindy b. 9-22-1960
B. Deborah b. 3-31-1959
C. Robin b. 7-4-1963
26. ROBERT GRITZINGER
b. June 29, 1940
d.
m. JOANNE NOLAN February
27, 1960
b. November 3, 1940
d.
Issue:
A. Scott Robb b. 6-2-1964
27. LINDA GRITZINGER
b. March 12, 1943
d.
m. Tom Liecthy August
4, 1962
b. May 21, 1938
d.
Issue:
A. Rhonda b. 5-15-1963
28. DARRYLE NIEMAN
b. December 18, 1940
d.
m. Katherine Stith
September 3, 1960
b. April 27, 1941
d.
Issue:
A. David b.
5-22-1961
B. Darelyn b. 5-8-1963
29. DIANA NIEMAN
b. March 17, 1944
d.
m. GERALD BAUMGARTEN
April 17, 1963
b. April 30, 1939
d.
Issue:
A. Gerald
b. 2-20-1964
B. Michael
b. 10-26-1965
30. BEVERLY KAGE
b. October 13, 1938
d.
m. LEO REDD May 28,
b. May 26, 1934
d.
Issue:
A. Kim
b. 6-12-1960
B. Kary
b. 1-10-1962
C. Janis
b. 4-28-1964
31. ARTHUR KAGE
b. January 16, 1940
d.
m. MARY WHITE February
13, 1960
b. September 29, 1941
d.
32. RICHARD KAGE
b. June 24, 1943
d.
m. DONNA FALK August
3, 1963
b.
d.
33. BARBARA ANN VANKER4 (August, August, Frank)
b. June 29,
1941 Washington Township
d.
m. WALTER GARRICK
ZAJOWSKI March 1, 1963 Macomb county
b. 24 in 1963 Detroit
d.
Walter is the son of Walter and Josephine (Gielowski) Zajkowski. Barbara was a secretary at the time of her marriage and Walter was a salesmen.
34. JANICE LOUISE VANKER4 (August, August, Frank)
b. October 19, 1946
Romeo, Michigan
d.
m. DANIEL EDMUND KEMP
November 17, 1967 Romeo, Michigan
b. June 13, 1944 Detroit
d.
Daniel was a construction worker at the time of his marriage to Janice. She was a secretary. Daniel is the son of Stanley F. and Alfreda H. (Markowski) Kemp.
35. JAMES CHALRES VANKER4 (Chalres, August, Frank)
b. November 10, 1947
Mt. Clemons
d.
m. DARLENE SCANCELLA
October 6, 1968 Macomb County
b. July 28, 1950 Detroit
d.
James was in the US Army at the time of his marriage to Darlene, who was a typist. She is the daughter of Alfred and Edna L. (Clendinen) Scancella.
36. GERALD ROBERT VANKER4 (Charles, August, Frank)
b. August 2, 1949
Mt. Clemons
d.
m. DOROTHY ANN WALLACE
July 22, 1971 Sterling Heights
b. October 20, 1949 Mt. Clemons
d.
Gerald was a press operator at the time of his marriage to Dorothy. Dorothy is the daughter of William Glen and Dorothy Genevieve (Wilson) Wallace. She was a data preparationist at the time of her marriage to Gerald.
37. JEAN MARIE VANKER4 (Charles, August, Frank)
b. March 1953
Mt. Clemons
d.
m. FREDDIE A.
MILLER November 1, 1969 Utica
b. September 16, 1946 St. Paul, Virginia
d.
Freddie was a construction worker at the time of his marriage to Jean. His father’s name was not given on the marriage certificate and his mother was Bernice Miller.
Again, because Nina Rinke Ettinger has done such a complete work on the Rinke family and has included the Wiegand family, only the direct ancestors of Rita Wiegand will be included in the Appendix. It should be pointed out at this time that although the preceeding chart is not extended, Andreas Rinke’s father was Christoph and that family information can be found in Appendix E of this manuscript.
A. FRANK WIEGAND
b. March 6, 1828 Hessen-Kassel,
Germany
d. September 24, 1875
Centerline, Michigan
m. BARBARA VON WIEGAND
b. June 15, 1832 Hessen Darnstadt, Germany
d. April 30, 1905 Centerline, Michigan
Issue: (All born in
Macomb county)
A. Susanna
b. 3-31-1854 d. 5-10-1940
B. Lawrence
b. 2-22-1856
C. John
b. 2-25-1859
D. Jacob
b. 3-4-1860
E. Philip
b. 4-24-1863
F. Anthony
b. 1865
G. Appollonia
b. 8-24-1867
H. Catherine
b. 9-28-1869
I. Frank J.
b. 12-13-1872
When Barbara traveled to America, it took ninety days to cross. Frank died from typhoid fever during an epidemic. He had served in the Civil War.
B. ANDREAS "ANDREW" RINKE
b. December
31, 1833 Kaltenberg, Prussia
d. January 19,
1894 Warren township
m. MAGDALENE
WARNER
b. April 15, 1847
d. January 21, 1917 Warren township
See page 60 and Rinke family information.
D. CHARLES BERGER
b. 1852 Germany
d. 1921 buried
St. Clements
m. CATHERINE
_______________
b. September 4, 1853 Germany
d. May 7, 1928
Issue:
A. Catherine
b. 12-25-1874 Warren
B. Charles
b. 2-6-1876 Warren
C. Henry
b. 7-19-1877
Charles was a farmer.
E. JOHN F. WIEGAND
b. February 25, 1859
d. October 21, 1946 buried St.
Clements
m. MARY RINKE
b. February 22, 1871 Warren township
d. March 10, 1913 buried Mt. Clements
Issue:
A. Andrew
b. 1-21-1891
B. Anthony
C. John
D. Frank
E. David
b. 9-12-1898
F. Walter
b. 1-1-1901
F. HENRY DELOR
b. in Michigan
d.
m. Catherine R. Berger
b. in Michigan
d.
Issue:
A. Elvera
b. 8-27-1897 Detroit
B. Catherine Gertrude
b. 2-25-1907 Warren
C. Charles Henry Clement b. 11-22-1908
Warren
D. Maria Elizabeth
b. 12-26-1911 Warren
E. Marvin John
b. 6-9-1914 Warren
Henry was a German butcher in Detroit. Catherine was raised in the Eleven Mile – Hoover Road area. Both are buried in Mt. Elliot cemetery.
G. ANDREW G. WIEGAND
b. January 21,
1891 Detroit
d. October 18,
1954 buried in Mt. Olivet
m. ELVERA DELOR
about 1915
b. October 27, 1897 Detroit
d. June 1961 buried Mt. Olivet
Issue:
A. Dorothy
1m. George Raymond DeVore
2m. Daniel Grant Marshall
B. Lillian
m. Walter Jenuwine
C. George
m. Rita Schimmel 9-13-1914
D. Arthur
m. Verus Dennis
E. Rita
m. Henry Callewaert
F. Evelyn
m. George O’Dell of Centerline
G. Shirey
m. Richard Miller of Warren
H. Doanld
m. Eleanor Cieslinski
I. Andrew
m. Cecelia Baumgartner
3 children who died at birth
The three babies who died at birth are buried in St. Clements cemetery.
Andrew was a well driller. He was also a fire chief in Centerline in
the 1940’s and was a supervisor of Warren Highway Department for many years.
E. JOHN NIEMAN
b.
d.
m. MARY AHRENS
b.
d.
Issue:
A. William
b. 10-23-1884
B. John
b. 1888
C. Hugo
b. 1894
D. Elmer H.
b. 3-16-1896
E. Julia
b. 1898
F. Louise
d. prior to 1966
G. Mary
d. prior to 1966
G. William Nieman
b. October 23, 1884
d.
m. LYDIA KUKUK
b. December 3, 1888
d.
Issue:
A. Herbert Hugo
b. 8-29-1908 Clinton Township
B. Wilma
b. 2-3-1912 Clinton Township
1
The Columbia Viking Desk Encyclopedia, William Bridgewater, Editor in Chief,
(Viking Press, New York, 1953) page 426.
21912
City of Detroit Cross Index.
3
1912 City of Detroit Cross Index.
4 Judge
David C. Vokes, "The Belgians of Cucumber Lane", in Belgians of Ameica,
written by Philemon D. Sabbe LL.B. and Leon Buyse, (Lannoo Tielt, Belgium,
The Hague, 1960) page 105.
5 1919
City of Detroit Cross Index.
6 "Explantions
of the City of Detroit's Re-Numbering Plan" Published by the City of Detroit,
October 1, 1920.
7 1921
City of Detroit Cross Index.
8 Nina
Rinke Ettiger, The Rinke Family, typed and compiled by her and presented
to the State of Michigan Library, Lansing Michigan NOTE: Mrs. Ellinger
has a very complete manuscript on the Rinke family. Only direct ancestory
is herein listed.
9 City
of Detroit 1912 Cross Index
10 Philemon
D. Sabbe, LL.B. and Leon Buyse, Belgians in America (Lannoo Tielt,
Belgium,
The Hague, 1960) page 255.
11
