Genzmer Immigration to Wisconsin
According to Brandenburg Prussia Emigration records, Genzmer family members immigrated at different times. Like the Steinbachs the younger Genzmers immigrated to Wisconsin first and the parents followed. The History of Dodge County Wisconsin claims, "The first Genzmer family members came in 1846 and 1847 and settled on farms north and east of the present site of Mayville. They discovered the clay was ideal for making bricks and many of the homes in Mayville still attest to the fine quality." (Page 116) Ludwig (20) and his sister Marie (23) arrived in New York 30 July 1846. Elisabeth Genzmer (age 23) immigrated in 1847 with her brothers Christian (age 26), John (30) and her sister Louise (age 13). Gottfried Martin Genzmer, his wife Dorthea Genzmer arrived in New York June 7, 1852 along with their son Martin's family. I have not found any record of their son Gottfried ever immigrating to the United States.
I'm sure it was difficult for our ancestors to leave family and friends when they left Germany. But after reading a thirteen page list of immigrants from Alt Rüdnitz, I realize that extensive numbers of the Dewitz and Genzmer families came to America within a sixteen year period, Unfortunately, I don't know how they are all related. Because their immigrant experiences were similar, I am including a link to a relative's memoir. John Fellwock Memoir He came from a village about ten miles from Alt Rüdnitz and also attended confirmation classes in Alt Rüdnitz. I think it gives us a good feeling for what coming to America was like for them. Ludwig and his sister Marie Genzmer immigrated the same summer as John Fellwock. I encourage you to read at least Chapter 2 on "Leaving the Homeland" and Chapter 3 about clearing the heavily wooded land near Mayville and building log cabins.
In Wisconsin the Genzmers were neighbors of the Steinbachs. The 1850 US Census for Williamstown lists as neighbors John Genzmer with his wife Mary, Johanna Steinbach's family living with Gottfried and Mary Genzmer Kiese, and Christian Genzmer with his wife Louise, son Frederick, and daughter Louise. John Paul Steinbach's farm was adjacent to Johanna Steinbach's farm. 1860 US Census, Williamstown, Wisconsin Ludwig Gensmer 33 Farmer and brick manufacturer Wilhelmine 36 Julius 4 Theodor 2 Johan Gensmer 42 farmer Mary 40 Henriette 8 Louis 6 Louise 4 |
1860 US Census, Williamstown, Wisconsin
Gottfried Kiese 42 farmer Mary Kiese 37 Fried William 10 Anna Mary 8 Chs Ferd 7 G Adolf 2 Martin Gensmer 50 farmer Caroline 50 Martin F 19 Ludwig 16 Henry 13 Ferdinand 12 Christ Gensmer 39 farmer Louise 40 Louise 16 Friedrich 12 Maria 8 Auguste 7 Minna 5 Charles 3 August 2 1860 US Census, Lebanon, Wisconsin August Voight 31 Louisa 26 (Gensmer) Amelia 9 August 7 Louisa 5 Mary 3 Theressa 2 Julius 1 Christian 65 |