Tombstone Tuesday-Jacob Hamman

Jacob Hamman

Years ago I began telling the story of my maternal great great grandfather Jacob Hamman.  The following posts help tell the story of Jacob's life: Jacob Hamman's Land Deed, Sunday Obituary-Jacob Hamman, My First Naturalization Papers-Jacob Hamman, Searching for the Will and the Land of Jacob Hamman, Finding Jacob Hamman's Land-First Understanding Iowa Land.  This post was started over four years ago and never finished.  Now, I can finally finish it.

The tombstone inscription reads (in German):

Jakob Hamman

Geb.  8. Mai 1830.

Gest. den 18. Nov. 1900.

 

"Hier wo der Geist sein Staub-

kleid fallen läßt.

Beweint das Kind des Vaters

Aschenreste"

The tombstone inscription reads (in English):

Jakob Hamman

Born 8 May 1830

Died 18 Nov 1900

"Here where the spirit/soul drops his dust gown

The child mourns the father's remaining ashes"

It took over four years to complete this post because I wanted to understand the quote at the end of the inscription.  I was able to guess at the name, birth and death information but I wanted to understand the rest.  If the quote was important enough to inscribe on the tombstone then I wanted to understand what the inscription said.  Sometimes our research takes a long time. Finally, now I do know what the quote says!

If you have any corrections or additions or stories to share, I look forward to hearing them.

Enjoy the journey,

Debby

Searching for the Will and the Land of Jacob Hamman

On my recent Genealogy Road Trip 2020 I wanted to find the land that my Great-Great Grandfather Jacob owned in Plymouth County, Iowa so I could go and see it. In my previous post Finding Jacob Hamman’s Land-First Understanding Iowa Land I learned about Iowa land and that I needed the township, section and range numbers in order to see where the land was located today. Would I be able to find these mentioned in Jacob’s Will perhaps?

In several previous posts I learned a great deal about the life of my maternal Great-Great Grandfather Jacob Hamman who immigrated from Luxembourg in the mid 1800s. (See previous posts: Immigration, Naturalization and Ship Travel Presentation, My First Naturalization Papers-Jacob Hamman, and Sunday Obituary-Jacob Hamman.) I also thought I had found a Will for Jacob and talked about that in the post The San Diego Genealogical Society Presents Laurice Johnson. As I transcribed the Will I realized it was not for ‘my’ Jacob Hamman who lived in Plymouth County, Iowa. Bummer! Back to square one.

I went back to his obituary and remembered that Jacob had died suddenly from an asthma attack. Did he already have a Will or did he die intestate, not having made a will before he died?

Already having been to the Plymouth County Courthouse the day before I returned the following day to see if I could find Jacob’s Will. Traveling to sites during Covid was an adventure. Would sites be open? Would I be able to search? What might I find? Traveling with a dog in the Summer added another obstacle I was dealing with. It meant leaving Harley in my Camper. The day was not too very hot and I did find a tree right outside the Courthouse to park under. Windows open, water available and I told Harley I wouldn’t be long. LOL! How many times have you said that exact same thing to a family member or friend that was with you while you were doing research?

I was VERY fortunate to have found a clerk ready to help and there was no one else there searching for records. She helped me search and sure enough there was a Probate Record for Jacob Hamman who died…intestate as I had guessed. No Will but the record of his estate was there. Would these documents help me locate his land?

I looked through the file and decided which records I should get copies of. I handed over my rather lengthy list to the clerk and asked if she’d mind if I left the room to go check on my dog outside in my vehicle while she made copies. She surprised me by saying, “Only if you bring him up here for us to see and, oh, can we pet him?” I couldn’t believe what I was hearing! People often help us because it’s their job, sometimes very grudgingly, but never before has anyone asked me to bring my dog into a records room so I wouldn’t have to worry about him getting hot.

You never know how helpful others will be when you are looking for records. Sometimes you meet the nicest people who go out of their way to help you. A very special thank-you to all the people I met with at the Plymouth County Courthouse! What a wonderful group of people who went out of their way to help me.

What could I learn from the pages and pages of records? The numerous documents about Jacob’s Estate were in no particular order. I continued to scan documents, records of what Jacob owned from plows to livestock and what he owed at the time of his death. (More on the contents of Jacob’s Estate in a later post.) As I looked through the pages … there it was! On the last page of the Final Report In the matter of the estate of Jacob Hamman, deceased presented to the District Court of the State of Iowa, In and for Plymouth County at the October Term 1902:

…the west half of section 11, township 93, range 44 west of 5 P.M. [prime meridian] …YES!! I found it!!!

Now back to the Plymouth County Recorder’s office one floor below. Once I knew the township, section and range numbers I could find the right ledger for the names. This is what I found on page 375:

(click on photos to enlarge)

Wow! Jacob was listed as the first buyer (Grantee) of the land. He purchased the land from the Western Land Company who was working on behalf of the State of Iowa to sell the land. Jacob filed his claim on 31 October 1895. Now I can find a copy of the land deed in Book 5 on page 280 in the Auditor’s Office. Luckily, the Auditor’s Office is just across the hall on the same floor in the Plymouth County Courthouse.

The Clerk in the Auditor’s Office was also able to look at a current map of this land in Fredonia township, Plymouth County and tell me that today if I drove from the Courthouse (Le Mars, Iowa) on Route 3 out to Polk Avenue (before the town of Remsen) and then drove out to 120^th Street Jacob’s land would be on the right hand side of Polk north of 120^th street. OK, Harley and I are off.

As I turned off Route 3 Polk Avenue was paved for a bit. The first numbered street I came to was 160^th Street. I had a way to go. I was in the middle of huge fields of corn and now the road turned to dirt. I drove and drove and drove on a bumpy dirt road past 

Deep Creek, which didn't seem too deep right now, and drove 

until ... there it was! I came to the cross street … 120^th. Finally, I had arrived!

This was once Jacob's land.

WOW!! How amazing! What a feeling of success! I was able to shout (there was no one around) “Jacob, I found your land!” One hundred and twenty years after your death in 1900 your great-great-granddaughter came to see the land that you farmed and where you raised your family. You came all the way from Luxembourg to start a new life here in Iowa. I only drove from San Diego. I can’t help but wonder how the actual land and life you built here in Iowa compared to the dreams of that young man of 25 years who came across the Atlantic Ocean on the ship Atlantic in 1859 and landed first in New York City before your journey to Iowa?

Now, can I find a copy of the actual land deed and will it tell me more about Jacob and this land?

If you have any corrections or additions or stories to share I look forward to hearing them.

Enjoy the journey,
Debby

The Birth of Jacob Hamman

When doing genealogy on our immigrant ancestors we are always advised to gather all the information possible before we start looking for information in the country that ancestor came from.

Over the years I have gathered information on my maternal 2^nd great grandfather Jacob Hamman in the United States.  I possibly have Jacob on a passenger list, I know when he filed his immigration paperwork, when he obtained his US Citizenship, when he purchased land and when he died.

There are still questions to be answered but I always wondered about his life in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg prior to his immigration to the United States in the late 1850s.  Who were Jacob’s parents and siblings?  Where exactly was he born in Luxembourg and when?

The information have I been able to gather about Jacob’s birth, parents and siblings:

• According to the 1880 US Census for Jacob in Iowa he was 40 years old and born about 1840 in Luxembourg.
• According to the 1900 US Census for Jacob in Iowa he was 60 years old and his birth date was July 1839 in Luxembourg.
• According to Jacob’s obituary in 1900 he “was 64 years old and born at Hesper, Grandduchy, Luxembourg on the 25^th day of August 1836”.
• According to Jacob’s Iowa death record he was born in Luxembourg about 1835.
• According to Jacob’s tombstone his birth is listed as 1830 and at his death in 1900 he was 70 years old.

Based on this information I can narrow down Jacob’s birth from 1835 to 1840.  That is definitely a discrepancy.  Is the birth date and location reported in his obituary, correct?  Can I locate a birth certificate in Luxembourg?  Will this tell me his parents’ names?  Is it possible to determine his siblings?  Did any of them also immigrate to the United States?

Reminder:  just because a record isn’t in an online database you are searching today it doesn’t mean it won’t be there tomorrow or ...years from now.  Keep searching!!

Fast forward many years of searching and I happened to find the following record on FamilySearch:

 

Wow!  Major Happy Dance!!  I think that is my ancestor and WOW there are his parents’ names.  I begin to search under their names and believe I have found Jacob’s siblings.  Major excitement!

After justifiably being excited about finally finding what I think is my ancestor’s birth record and other family records including Jakob’s parents’ names I realize that the index has only basic information and I don’t know about you but…this is never enough for me.  I can see the actual ledger in the photo but I want to know more of the information that is there but …I don’t read or write German.  UGH!  What do I do next? 

I need someone to translate these for me and I’m up to about 25 records now.  Where to go?  I could post this on a genealogy site or try to find someone who speaks German.  An idea starts to develop.  These are records from Luxembourg.  Several years ago I joined and visited the Luxembourg American Cultural Society and Center in Belgium, Wisconsin.  I wonder if they’d have any suggestions? 

How exciting it was to learn that yes, they could definitely help me.  They actually contract with someone in Luxembourg and they informed me of the fee for services.  All the records were emailed to LAC and then all I had to do was, not so patiently, wait for a reply.  At last, this was the reply for Jacob’s birth record:

Translation:

In the year 1840, on July 28, at 7 a.m. before us Mayor, registrar of the civil status records of the municipality of Hesperange, canton of Luxembourg, in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, has appeared Jakob Hamman, aged 37 years, road maintenance supervisor, residing in this municipality, who presented us a child of male sex, born on the 27^th of this [month], at 11 a.m. of him deponent and his wife Barbara Clement, both residing in Hesperange, and whom he declared to give the first name of Jakob.

Which declaration and presentation took place in the presence of Nikolas Zahlen, aged 45 years, farmer, and of Johann (=John) Didesch, aged 64 years, day laborer, who are residing in this municipality, and they have all signed this present birth record, after having previously been given lecture thereof.

[signatures]

Wow! WOW!! 

From the translation I now know that:

• Jakob was born on 27 July 1840 at 11 am.
• His parents were Jakob Hamman (37 years old and a road main supervisor) and Barbara Clement.
• They lived in Hesperange.
• Witnesses were Nikolas Zahlen (45 year old farmer) and Johann Didesch (64 year old day laborer) who lived in the Hesperange.

Interesting that the 1880 US Census was the only record with his correct year of birth.  The obituary showed his birth date but was several days, a month and four years off.  I’m sure birthdays were not remembered and celebrated the way we do today. There were language and cultural differences and so many adjustments when traveling and becoming established in the United States that I’m sure your actual date of birth was just not that important.  Reminder: know that dates may be off by months, days or years as you are researching.

The amazing translator I had even provided the following additional information:

The spelling of the name is nowadays Hammang. On the Hammang family and descendance, see: Prosper Kayser & Paul Vanolst: Familienchronik der Gemeinde Hesperingen. Um 1650-1923. Publ. 2018 pp. 169-170.

Someone who spoke German could have translated the document but this additional information is extremely valuable for further research.

Being connected to Historical Societies from locations your ancestors lived or to Cultural Societies whose goals are to help preserve the cultures of the countries your ancestors immigrated from are very valuable sources of information.  I would definitely recommend LAC if you have ancestors from Luxembourg to provide another level of support as you research your ancestors.

If you have any corrections or additions or stories to share, I look forward to hearing them.

Enjoy the journey,

Debby

The following posts help tell the story of Jacob's life: Jacob Hamman's Land Deed, Sunday Obituary-Jacob Hamman, My First Naturalization Papers-Jacob Hamman, Searching for the Will and the Land of Jacob Hamman, Finding Jacob Hamman's Land-First Understanding Iowa Land.

The Children of Jacob Hamman and Barbara Clement

 

As I begin to piece together the lives of my ancestors I am continually searching for additional records. Records of their lives and that of their children can help me better  understand the family.  Locating all the records possible of the children of Jacob and Barbara (maternal 3^rd great grandparents) helps me see their family structure.  This may also help me piece together some of the family dynamics and what may have led to my maternal 2^nd great grandfather Jacob (see posts The Birth of Jacob Hamman, My First Naturalization Papers-Jacob Hamman, Searching for the Will and the Land of Jacob Hamman, Tombstone Tuesday-Jacob Hamman, etc,) deciding to emigrate to the United States.

These records, from Luxembourg, found in German and now translated, help tell the story of my 3^rd great grandparents, Jakob Hamman and Barbara Clement, and their children. 

Children:

1825 Frederic Birth

(click on images to enlarge)

1828 Elisabeth Birth

1830 Peter Birth

 1831 Joseph Birth

     1832 Peter Death

1834 Mary Birth

1836 Catherine Birth

     1837 Mary Death

1838 John Birth

1840 Jacob Birth (my 2nd great grandfather)  

1844 Nicholas Birth

     1850 Nicholas Death

     1867 Joseph Death

     1868 Mother-Barbara Clement Hamman Death

     1876 Elisabeth Death   

The records were all created in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, then under evolving administrative structures following its independence in 1815.

 

Family Insights:

• Nine children were born to Jacob and Barbara (6 boys & 3 girls) between 1825 and 1844.  Three died in early childhood (Peter, Mary, Nicholas).
• Elisabeth (48) and Joseph (34) lived to adulthood but appear to have remained unmarried.
• Jacob (born 1840), my paternal 2^nd great grandfather, was the 8^th child.  When he was 10, after the death of the longest child Nicholas, he became the youngest again.  Jacob emigrated to the United States, continuing the family line. I am always interested in seeing names repeated over generations.  My 2nd great grandfather Jacob would have children named Jacob, Nicholas, John, Joseph and Peter.  I wonder if they were named after his siblings?
• Jakob Hamman, my maternal 3^rd great grandfather, may have emigrated as well, as suggested by Elisabeth’s death record noting her father’s emigration to America.  

The family lived primarily in Pfaffenthal and later Hesperange in Luxembourg.  (distance of about 35 miles apart). The father’s consistent occupation and locations suggest stable residence and modest working-class status.

Questions to research:

• How many of the four remaining children emigrated to America?
• I will need to check census records to see if Elisabeth and Joseph lived with their parents in adulthood?
• Did my 3^rd great grandfather Jacob actually emigrate to America also?  What can I learn about his life in America?   I have been unable to find any death record for him in Luxembourg.  Where did he live and die?

If you have any corrections or additions or stories to share, I look forward to hearing them.

Enjoy the journey,

Debby

My First Naturalization Papers-Jacob Hamman

Most of the ancestors I grew up knowing about had been in the United States since the 1600 and 1700s so there was no need for them to apply for Citizenship since they were here at the beginning.

My first Naturalization papers wound up being for my maternal great-great-grandfather- Jacob Hamman.  Armed with his Naturalization papers I wondered what I could learn about Jacob?  (Unfortunately, I do not have any photos of Jacob.)

What I have learned about Jacob:

Jacob was born in Luxembourg in July 1839.

Jacob and Kate (Catherine Hein Hammond) were married about 1860.  Not sure where.

Jacob filed his ‘First Papers’ or Declaration of Intention to become a citizen of the United States in Plymouth County, Iowa on 23 October 1880 stating his Nativity was Luxembourg.  First Papers could be filed any time after arriving in the United States.  He was the only person to file a Declaration of Intention on this date in Plymouth County, Iowa.  In reviewing the list of those filing First Papers in Plymouth County, Iowa from 1871-1888 I am seeing other people from Luxembourg but no other families with the last name of Hamman.

Transcription:

State of Iowa, Plymouth County-SS

Before the undersigned, Clerk of the District Court in and for said County, personally appeared Jacob Hammond, a native of Luxembourg and makes solemn oath that is is bona-fide his intention to become a Citizen of the United States, and to renounce and abjure forever, all allegiance and fidelity to every foreign Power, Prince, Potentate, State or Sovereignty whatever, and particularly allegiance to The Grand Duke of Luxemburg of whom he was heretofore a subject.

                                                                                                                                                                  Jacob Hammond

Sworn to and subscribed before me, by Jacob Hammond this 23rd day of Oct. A.D. 1880

                                                                                                                                                                   W. S. Welliver  Clerk

LeMars, Iowa  Plymouth County  1st Papers  Vol. I  page 36

Jacob was granted Citizenship in the United States of America 25 Oct 1882.  His ‘Second Papers’ were filed in Plymouth County, Iowa.  ‘Second papers’ were the record of the granting of citizenship to persons who had previously filed first papers or who made a declaration of intent at least 2 years previously.  Individuals had to live in the United States continually for 5 years.  To have citizenship granted in Iowa the individual had to have lived in Iowa for at least 1 year.  So, Jacob had to have been living in the US by 1877 at the least.

Transcription:

Naturalization Record

State of Iowa, Plymouth County

Be it remembered, That at a Term of the District Court holden in and for said County , at the Court House therein, on the Twenty fifth day of October, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and Eighty two, was present the Honorable C. H. Lewis Presiding Judge, Gus Haerling Sheriff of said county and W.S. Welliver Clerk of said Court, whom the following, among other proceedings were had: Jacob Hamman a native of Luxembourg and at present,, residing within said State, appeared in open Court, and makes application to be admitted to become a Citizen of the United States, and it appearing to the satisfaction of the Court that he had declared an oath, before W. S. Welliver Clerk District Court Plymouth County Iowa a  court of record having common law jurisdiction, and using a Seal, two years at least before his admission, that it was bona-fide his intention to become a Citizen of the United States, and to renounce forever all allegiance to any foreign Prince, Potentate, State or Sovereignty whatsoever, and particularly to The Grand Duke of Luxembourg of whom he was heretofore a Subject And said applicant having declared an oath before this Court that he will support the Constitution of the United States, and that he doth absolutely and entirely renounce and abjure all allegiance and fidelity to every foreign Prince, Potentate, State or Sovereignty whatsoever, and particularly to The Grand Duke of Luxembourg of whom he was heretofore a Subject.  The Court being satisfied that said applicant has resided within the United States for the term of five years next preceding his admission, without being at any time during the said five years out of the territory of the United States, and within this State one year at least; and it further appearing to the satisfaction of this Court, that during that time he has behaved as a man of good character, attached to the principals of the Constitution of the United States, and well disposed to the good order and happiness of the same.

Thereupon the Court admitted the said Jacob Hamman to become a citizen of the United States, and ordered all the proceedings aforesaid to be entered of Record, which was accordingly done by the Clerk of this Court.

In Testimony Whereof, W. S. Welliver Clerk of the Court aforesaid, have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the Seal of said Court at office in said county, this the 25th day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and Eighty two and of the American Independence the 106th year.

                                                                                                                                                                    W.S. Welliver, Clerk

Plymouth County, Iowa  Vol. I  Page 312

In the 1900 US Federal Census (8 Jun1900)  Jacob (60 yo) and wife Kate (55) are living in Fredonia, Plymouth, Iowa with children Mike (22 yo), John (17 yo), Jo (15 yo), Maggie (16 yo), Francis (7 yo).  Jacob is listed as a Farmer who can read, write and speak English.  He owned his farm and had a mortgage on it.  He was 60 on the farm schedule.  Year of Immigration 1862,  He is listed as being in the US for 37 years.  Number of years married 40.  (So he and Kate must have been married before they came to the United States??)

Jacob and Kate/Catherine had 8 children (as best as I can figure out): Arthur (b. 1869),  Nickolaus (b. 1873), Henry (b. 1873) (my great-grandfather), Michael (b. 1877), John Paul (b. 1883), Joseph (b. 1884 ), Margaretha/Maggie (b. 1888), and Francesa/Frances (b. 1893).

Jacob died 18 November 1900 in Fredonia Tp, Plymouth Iowa at the age of 65 years 3 months 9 days (that would make birth in 1835?) of Asthma.  Buried in Remsen, Iowa at St. Mary’s Cemetery.  (I find it interesting that 5 months before Jacob’s death on the US Federal Census it states he is 60 but on his death record it states he is 65.  I wonder who gave the information for the Federal Census?)

Thoughts and Questions:

• I find it interesting that on Jacob’s first papers his name is spelled as ‘Hammond’ but on his Naturalization papers it is spelled as ‘Hamman’ by the same Clerk of the Court.
• I have had Jacob’s Naturalization papers since the early 1990s when I learned he was from Luxemburg and not Germany as previously thought.  It wasn’t until I transcribed them this week that I really thought about what Jacob was giving up to become a Citizen of the United States.  Did he find what he was looking for in the US? 
• I wonder what brought Jacob to America?
• I wonder why Jacob wound up in Plymouth County, Iowa?
• Did he miss Luxemburg?  Did he leave family behind that he missed?
• Why can’t I find him in any of the Iowa State Census records?

There seems to be so little information available that I can find on Jacob.  Will have to do some deeper research, perhaps at the Iowa State Archives??

If you have any corrections or additions or stories to share I look forward to hearing them.

Enjoy the journey,

Debby

Sunday Obituary-Jacob Hamman

In a previous post entitled My First Naturalization Papers-Jacob Hamman written in April 2017 I wrote about what I knew at the time about my maternal 2x great grandfather Jacob Hamman.  I had some vague information about the family but I had Jacob’s naturalization papers.  Later in 2017 I would write about Jacob’s wife Kate in posts entitled What’s the Correct Information? and Amanuensis Monday-A Will but…Whose Signature is That?.  Even after all this information…I still had questions.  I still had missing pieces about Jacob.  I wasn’t sure of his birthdate or when he married Kate or even when he died.  That was until I finally found his obituary in the Remsen Enterprise newspaper on page 5 which was published in Remsen, Iowa on Friday, November 23rd, 1900.  Will this have some answers for me?



Transcription:                                                             "Death of Jacob Hamman
Jacob Hammon died at this home in Fredonia township, very suddenly Sunday evening, November 18, 1900 of asthma after an illness of but a few hours.
Deceased was sixty-four years old and was born at Hesper, Granduchy, Luxembourg on the 25th day of August 1836. He came to America when a young man thirty six years ago.  He lived at first in Dubuque county where he engaged in farming. He was married thirty-one years ago to Katerina Hein, who still survives as his widow.
He came to Plymouth county twenty-one years ago, and after some time bought the place he owned by him until his death,
He leaves a family consisting of his widow and nine children: Nicolas, Lena Mauer, of Minn., Henry, Peter, Mike, John, Joe, Maggie and Francis all living at home or hear Remsen except Mrs. Mauer.
The funeral took place at ten o’clock on Wednesday morning, Rev. Father Schulte officiating.
The deceased was an honorable and upright man and was much respected by all the citizens of the community where he has lived so long, and who sincerely mourn his loss, and extend sympathy to his bereaved family."

What I’ve learned from his obituary:

I knew from Jacob’s Naturalization records that he was from Luxembourg but now I have a location: Hesper.  ‘Hesper’ in Luxembourgish and ‘Hesperingen’ in German.  Hesper is located southeast of Luxembourg City.

I now know that Jacob, according to his obituary was born on August 25th, 1836.

I now know that Jacob came to America about 1864.

I now know that Jacob and Kate were married about 1869.  Although in 1908 in Kate’s obituary it says she had been married for 40 years to Jacob.  So they may have been married 1860-1869?  Hmm, were they married in Luxembourg or America? 

I now know that Kate was about 6-7 years younger than her husband.

I believe Jacob and Kate had 12 children.  I now know there were 9 children living when Jacob died and 7 children living when Kate died 8 years later.

I now know that Jacob owned land when he died so I can search for land records.

I now know a death date, place and cause of death for Jacob: November 18th, 1900 Fredonia, Plymouth County Iowa and he died of asthma.

I now also know that Jacob was an “honorable and upright man and was much respected by all the citizens of the community where he has lived so long, and who sincerely mourn his loss”.  This is information I definitely cherish!  

By finding this obituary there was so much new information that I now have.  This was a GREAT find!

If you have any corrections or additions or stories to share I look forward to hearing them.
Enjoy the journey,
Debby

What’s the Correct Information?

I get so excited, as we genealogists all do, about finding that one new piece of information on one of our ancestors.  I find it a little disheartening that when I go back and look at the information I already have on a particular person, as in this case, I sometimes realize that while this one piece of information may be a tremendous find, ugh… I have so many gaps that also need filling in…  Such is the case with my maternal Great-Great-Grandmother Kate Hein Hamman.

What I found was a copy of her Will.  YEA!!!  Happy dance!  What I realized is there are so many unanswered questions and gaps I have about her life.

• Kate Hamman is my maternal great-great-grandmother. 
• Based on a census record (1900) and Kate’s death certificate she was born in Germany or Luxembourg  about 1842 to 1845. 
• Her parents names are unknown except that her maiden name was Hein. 
• Kate married Jacob Hamman, possibly, in Luxembourg before heading to America by 1880 and settling in Iowa.  Or did she come here with her parents and then meet and marry Jacob Hamman or Hammen?  According to Jacob’s immigration paperwork (See post My First Naturalization Papers-Jacob Hamman) I know that he was in Plymouth County, Iowa in 1882. 
• In the 1900 census it states that Kate was born in Luxembourg  (Jun 1844) as were her parents.  She had been married for 40 years and she could read, write and speak English.  She had given birth to 12 children but only 9 were alive at the time of the census on 8 June 1900.  She was living in Fredonia, Plymouth County, Iowa.  I can find no US Federal census records for them before 1900.
• I have found Jacob and Katrina on the Iowa 1895 census in Fredonia, Plymouth County, Iowa with children: Nick, Henry, Peter, Mike, John, Joseph, Maggie and Frances.
• Kate and Jacob had possibly 12 children: Nickolaus, Henry (my Great-Grandfather), Peter, Michael, John, Joseph, Margaretha/Maggie, Francesca/Frances and Lena, that I know of.  Jacob died in 1900 in Fredonia, Iowa.
• Kate died 21 June 1908 in Remsen, Iowa.

I found 2 obituaries for Kate:

“Kate Hamman
Died
Mrs. Kate Hamman died at the family home in Remsen Sunday morning at 5:30 o'clock after a lingering illness. She had been far from well the past few years and death came to her as a relief. She was born in Luxemburg, Europe, 68 years ago, when a young girl she came to this country and settled with her parents at Dubuque, Iowa. There she met and married Jacob Hamman about 38 years ago. Eight years later they moved to Remsen, and she has made her home here ever since. She was the mother of ten children, of which two are dead. The eight living are Nick, Henry, Peter, John and Joe, and Miss Francis all of whom reside here, and Mrs. Henry Franks, of Marcus, Iowa. Those, together with a host of friends are left to mourn the loss of a devoted, kind and Christian mother. Her husband preceded her to the great beyond eight years ago. The funeral services were held from St. Mary's church Tuesday morning at 9:30 and were conducted by Rev. Father Schulte. We extend sympathy to the bereaved sons and daughters in their hour of sorrow.”
[The Remsen News, Remsen, Iowa, June 25, 1908, transcribed by Mary Kay Krogman]

“Remen
Mrs. Catherine Hammen died at her home in Remsen on Sunday, June 21st at 3 p.m. at the age of 68 after a long and patiently endured suffering from the ills and infirmities due to her years.  Deceased was born n the grand Duche of Luxemburg sixty eight years ago.  Thirty-one years ago she came with her husband, Jacob Hammen, to Plymouth county, Iowa, and located on farm in Fredonia township.  Eight years ago the husband died, leaving his widow with twelve children, of whom four have since followed the father to the grace.  The eight surviving children are Nicholas, a farmer of the neighborhood; Lena Maner, of Wilmont, Minnesota; Henry, of Remsen; Peter, a farmer of the neighborhood; John, Joseph, Margaretha and Francesca, at home.  the funeral obsequies and the burial in St. Mary’s cemetery were Tuesday morning and were largely attended.”
[LeMars Sentinel, 30 June 1908 Page 2 Column 7, transcribed by Debby Warner Anderson]

The obituaries give me some additional information but there are also some inconsistencies.  The biggest is that one states she came with her parents to America and met Jacob here and the other account states she came with her husband from Luxembourg.  Her death certificate, copy from the State of Iowa,  says she was Mrs. Kate Hamong 63, died of Chronic Bronchitis and Complicated by Chronic Nephritis and came from Germany.  The copy of the ledger for death records in Iowa says she was Catherine Hamonn, she was 63, born in Germany and died of Old Age and Infirmities.  Yikes…I do like it better when information is consistent.  I know the obituaries and death certificate information or even census information are second hand information at times frequently based on accounts given by family members who may be repeating stories/facts they remember that weren’t recorded or written down.  I am also wondering if the copy I paid for from the State of Iowa is the wrong person or someone just copied the information incorrectly?? (I always prefer a copy of the ledger).   It’s amazing when you look at society today and how well recorded information is.  We have to remember that in the 1800s there were few requirements for recording vital statistics.

I have so much more digging to answer the many questions I have and the inconsistencies.  Perhaps Kate’s Will may help?  I so wish I could find someone in the family who has a picture of Kate they would share with me.

If you have any corrections or additions or stories to share I look forward to hearing them.
Enjoy the journey,
Debby

Amanuensis Monday-A Will but …Whose Signature is That?

Kate Hamman is my maternal great-great-grandmother. (See post What’s the Correct Information?)  Based on census records, obituaries and Kate’s death certificates I believe she was born in Luxembourg/Germany about 1845.  Her parents names are unknown except that her maiden name was Hein.  Kate married Jacob Hamman,  I believe, in Luxembourg before heading to America about 1880 and settling in Iowa.  Kate and Jacob had 12 children.  At the time of Kate’s death, I believe, there were 9 children living:  Nick, Peter, Michael, Joseph, John, Lena, Margaretha, Francessa and Henry (my Great-Grandfather).  Her husband Jacob died in 1900 in Fredonia, Iowa.

Kate died 21 June 1908 in Remsen, Iowa.  The following is her Will:


Transcription:

I, Katie Hamman, widow, of Remsen, in Plymouth County, Iowa, being of full age, and of sound and disposing mind and memory, but realizing the uncertainties of life, do hereby make, publish, and declare my last will and testament, first revoking all former wills by me at any time heretofore made, in the manner following, that is to say:

First.  It is my will, and I so direct my executor hereinafter nominated, to pay, as soon as he has sufficient funds in his hands so to do, all my just and lawful debts, including the expenses of my last sickness and burial, and the administration of my estate.  My executor shall also pay, as soon as he has sufficient funds in his hand so to do, to my daughter Frances Hamman, or to her guardian, the amount owing by me to her as her guardian, amounting to approximately the sum of Sixteen Hundred Dollars.
Second.  I give, will and bequeath unto Rev. F. X. Schulte, or the priest who may be pastor of the St. Mary’s Catholic Church at Remsen, Iowa, when this will shall be executed, the sum of Fifty Dollars, and ask that masses may be read for the peaceful repose of my soul.  The receipt of said priest in writing shall be sufficient evidence of the execution and payment of this bequest.
Third.  I will, give and devise unto my daughter Frances Hamman my house and lot, described as Lot Numbered Nine, in Block Numbered Five, in the town of Remsen, in Plymouth County, Iowa, subject to and upon payment of the sum of One Hundred Dollars to each of my following named children: Henry Hamman, John Hamman, Joseph Hamman and Maggie Hamman, and which said sum of one hundred dollars to each of my said children, shall be paid by my said daughter Frances Hamman within one year from the date and age of her majority, without interest; and if my said daughter Frances shall have arrived at the age of majority before my death, then said payments shall be made within one year from the date of my death.
Fourth.  I give, will and bequeath unto my daughter Frances Hamman my organ, personal ornaments and wearing apparel.
Fifth.  I give, will and bequeath all my household and kitchen furniture and fixtures to my daughter Frances and to my son Joseph Hamman, in equal share.
Sixth,  I give, will and bequeath to my following named children, Henry Hamman, John Hamman, Joseph Hamman and Maggie Frank, each the sum of Two Hundred Dollars; the same to be paid by my executor out of the funds of my estate.
Seventh.  All the rest, residue and remainder of my estate, of whatever nature, kind or description, I give, will and bequeath in equal share, share and share alike to my following named children: Nick Hamman, Peter Hamman, Henry Hamman, John Hamman, Joseph Hamman, and Maggie Frank.
Eighth.  I do hereby nominate and appoint W. J. Kass, of Remsen, Iowa, the sole executor of this my last will and testament.
Dated at Remsen, Iowa this 18th day of January, 1908.
                                                                                                              ___________________________________
Witnesses:    N.B. Miller  and F. G. Meinart

At the time of Kate’s death:

• Frances was the youngest child at 16 years old.
• Henry was married with 6 children under the age of 9.  His wife Suza had died of cervical cancer 1 month before Kate on 21 May 1908.
• Nick was a farmer in the neighborhood and married with 5 children.
• Peter was a farmer in the neighborhood and married with 5 children.
• Lena was living in Wilmont, Minnesota with her husband and 9 children of her own.
• Frances (16 yo), John (33 yo), Joseph (30 yo) and Maggie (22 yo) still lived at home.
• Michael was married and living ??

So, when I read Kate’s Will I saw her name listed at Kate Hamman.  Then I noticed the line with her signature and I thought…how strange.  The signature sure doesn’t look like it says ‘Kate Hamman’.

I looked at the pages in the ledger before and after this one to be sure that the person who’s Will it is should be on the line and yes, that’s the way it should be.  So, who’s signature is that??????  The first letter of the last name looks like an ‘L’ not an ‘H’.  This just doesn’t make sense.  I know Kate could read and write based on the 1900 census and there is no mention that anyone else is signing for her…hmm.  I wasn’t sure what to think so I searched out help on the internet.  I know that Kate was from Germany/Luxembourg and probably spoke German or French.

I copied Kate’s signature and put it on the Facebook pages for the San Diego Genealogical Society and the Luxembourg Genealogy site.  Dona at SDGS thought it was an old German shrift (handwriting) and then Cathy Meder-Dempsey (who writes the Blog- Opening Doors in Brick Walls) had the answer.  She let me know that the above handwriting does say ‘Katin Hamman’ in an old German script and see included a link to a Family Search Wiki on German Handwriting and here is the alphabet:

In the article it states that the Old German Gothic handwriting is very different from the old Roman script most of us English speakers are used to seeing.  How interesting!  You just never know how a simple ‘Will’ can become a History lesson.  Gretchen also said that the first name is a Germanic variation of Katie.  It is so wonderful to have such knowledgeable and willing people to help us on our searches.  Thank-you to everyone who was so quick to answer and offer assistance!  This also demonstrates the value of the group Facebook pages.  Find some groups that do similar research to you and join them.  Without them it would have taken me a long time and a lot of research to find the answer.  There is so much I have to learn on Luxembourg and German Genealogy but I know that when I get stuck there are people out there willing to share their knowledge.

From Kate’s Will I learned that:

• her religion was important to her since she left money to St. Mary’s for the Priest to say masses for her.  My grandfather James Hammond was baptized in the same church 4 years earlier.  Strong family ties to St. Mary’s in Remsen, Iowa.
• she owned an organ.  How amazing was that!  Her husband Jacob who died 8 years earlier was a farmer but she owned an organ. 
• she owned her home.
• she must have lived comfortably in 1908 since she was able to leave $1600 for Frances’ care, $100 each to 4 children, then $200 each to 4 children.
• she chose someone outside the family as Executor.  I wonder why not one of her sons?
• she must have learned to write in the old Gothic script growing up in Luxembourg but even though she lived in America for 30-40 years she still maintained that handwriting, at least for her signature.

I wish I could find a picture of Kate or the home she lived in. 

I hope one day I can figure out who Kate’s parents are and where in Luxembourg they came from.

If you have any corrections or additions or stories to share I look forward to hearing them.
Enjoy the journey,
Debby