The Hissem-Montague Family

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My grandmother was Edna Dengler, of Davenport, Scott county, Iowa.

Dengler is a common name throughout Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Hungary (the old Austro-Hungarian Empire), and Belgium. In Germany they are widely scattered, but the main groupings appear to be in southern Germany: Bavaria, Baden, Wurttemberg and Austria. Like the Offermans, they are of the "happy," beer drinking Germans, kind of like me. See also Karyn Crouse for more information on this family.

There is no apparent meaning to the name (though my mind wants to believe that it is possible, in German, to "dengle" and make a living at it) nor have I found any village or town in Germany with that name. Now, however a Peter Graf has told me that Dengler "of course" has a meaning in German.

"A Dengler is person who dengels, dengeln is a verb which is best translated with the verb "thinning", it is the act of sharpening the blade of a scythe with a hammer. I guess our anchestors where poor people that travelled around and making a living by sharpening other peoples blades."

"The ancestral home of the Dengler family is in the German state of Bavaria. The name Dengler is an occupational hereditary surname, a type of surname that was taken from a word describing or common to the profession of the original bearer. It is a name for a farmer or a dealer in spelt, which is a kind of wheat. Spelt, which is a derivative of the Old Germanic word Dinkel, was a grain like barley and wheat that was grown extensively in the German speaking states during the Middle Ages. Spelt was sold as a cereal and formed a large part of the diet at this time. Nonetheless, Dengler is also a local name for a person that came from Dinkelsbuhl, a town in Bavaria in the south of Germany. Dinkelsbuhl, which is one of the best preserved medieval towns, dates back to the 14th century. The Dengler family possessed vast estates and resided in an elegant feudal manor. During the Middle Ages, they became a part of the landed aristocracy and they wielded considerable prestige and influence in the region of Bavaria. Nonetheless, the family expanded into other parts of the German territories after the 16th century."

Dengler emigrants came to America early in its history. The earliest birth date in this country that I've seen is 1731 for a Jacob Dengler in Montgomery county, Pennsylvannia. This Dengler family continued to reside in Pennsylvannia until current times. They do not appear to be related to the Iowa Dengler's, except by surname. The Scott county, Iowa part of the family came over later, as is told below.

As you'll read below, our Dengler family came from the small village of Gotzmannsgrun lying just west of a man-made lake known as the Formitztalsperre, in northern Bavaria. See Gotzmannsgrun for more, in German. The Dengler family lived in the village until at least the late 19th century. The following relates the founding of a local volunteer fire brigade upon its 125th anniversary in 2016.

"Am Sonntag, den 11. Januar des Jahre 1891 war es dann soweit. Im Anwesen des Ortsfuhrers Jakob Dengler aus Gotzmannsgrun trafen sich die oben erwohnten 27 jungen Manner der beiden Dorfer und grandeten die Freiwillige Feuerwehr Albertsreuth-Gotzmannsgrun."

[Google translation] "On Sunday, January 11th of 1891, it was time. In the estate of the Local Leader Jakob Dengler from Gotzmannsgrun, the above-mentioned 27 young men of the two villages met and founded the volunteer fire brigade Albertsreuth-Gotzmannsgrun." - from 125 Jahre Freiwillige Feuerwehr Albertsreuth-Gotzmannsgrun 1891-2016

[Google translation] "The fire brigade was founded by Gotzmannsgrun, the local guide of Gotzmannsgrun, Jakob Dengler, who lived in the estate Gotzmannsgrun 5."

On two other pages on the site listed above is the claim that,

"Die Grundung unserer Freiwilligen Feuerwehr in der jetztigen Form erfolgte am Sonntag, den 11. Januar des Jahres 1891 in Gotzmannsgrun. Beim Ortsfuhrer Nikol Dengler auf dem Anwesen Gotzmannsgrun 5 fand morgens die Grundungsversammlung statt."

[Google translation] "The foundation of our volunteer fire brigade in the present form took place on Sunday, January 11, 1891 in Gotzmannsgrun. Nikol Dengler at the Gotzmannsgrun 5 estate held the foundation meeting in the morning."

"Mitgliederverzeichnis der Freiwilligen Feuerwehr Albertsreuth-Gotzmannsgrun am Grundungstag, Sonntag den 11. Januar 1891"

[Google translation] "List of Members of the Volunteer fire brigade Albertsreuth-Gotzmannsgrun on the foundation day, Sunday, January 11, 1891"

01. Dengler, Johann
02. Dengler, Nikol

Today we have Herbert, Peter, and Wieland Dengler who live in Hallerstein, about a mile southeast of Gotzmannsgrun. I strongly suspect they are the descendents of a common ancestor born circa 1800. There is a Werner Dengler who wrote "Hallerstein und Formitz Die Flurkarte als Grundlage fur die Ortsgeschichte," Bayreuth 2012.

The earliest ancestors I've found in the region around Gotzmannsgrun are,

Nicol Dengler was born in about 1570 and died before 1623 in "Vielitz bei Selb, Oberfranken, Bayern, Deutschland." - from Verein fur Computergenealogie. Vielitz is about 10 miles southeast of Gotzmannsgrun.

Andreas Dengler was born in about 1650 and died after 1771 in "Gotzmannsgrun bei Schwarzenbach/Saale, Oberfranken, Bayern, Deutschland." - from Verein fur Computergenealogie.

Johann Dengler was born in about 1685 and died after 1739 in "Weisdorf, Oberfranken, Bayern, Deutschland." - from Verein fur Computergenealogie. His daughters were Eva and Margaretha, born in about 1715. Weissdorf is a couple of miles west of Gotzmannsgrun.

Some new information on the Dengler family in Germany, provided by a professional researcher via Karyn Crouse,

Research by Genealogieboro Dr. Pohlmann, Albert-Lortzing-Str. 3, 95111 Rehau, Germany "The task was to find information about Andreas Dengler (born 1827 in Gotzmannsgrun). Gotzmannsgrun belongs mostly to the Lutheran parish of Hallerstein (only some houses to the Lutheran parish of Weisdorf) and to the borough of the town of Schwarzenbach an der Saale. Today the oldest volume of the parish records of Hallerstein is from 1796 to 1853 (baptisms, marriages and funerals), the older records were burnt in a fire in 1835, which destroyed nearly the complete village Hallerstein. Also the oldest volume was damaged by that fire. The parish of Hallerstein was separated in 1613 from the parish of Weisdorf. Andreas Dengler was born in Gotzmannsgrun on exactly the mentioned date (October 19, 1827), his parents were the farmer Johann Georg Dengler (Gotzmannsgrun house number 5) and his wife Anna Margaretha Rus [Russ], who got married in Hallerstein on November 26, 1822 (the bride was only 16 years old, the age of the bridegroom was 20 years). Johann Georg Dengler was born in Gotzmannsgrun on May 20, 1802 as son of the farmer Jacob Dengler and his wife N. Fuchs (christening name not mentioned) from Formitz. Anna Margaretha Rus was born in Hallerstein on April 2, 1806 as daughter of the innkeeper and master butcher Johann Christoph Rus (Hallerstein house number 14) and his wife Dorothea Kieling from Gotzmannsgrun. The ancestor's list of Andreas Dengler is: Proband: 1. Andreas Dengler; born Gotzmannsgrun October 19, 1827, baptism Hallerstein October 22, 1827, died ?. 1st generation (parents): 2. Johann Georg Dengler; farmer in Gotzmannsgrun house number 5, born Gotzmannsgrun May 20, 1802, died Gotzmannsgrun September 7, 1869 (stomach inflammation), funeral Hallerstein September 9, 1869, 2nd marriage Hallerstein January 28, 1836 with Eva Popp (born Hallerstein August 2, 1813, baptism Hallerstein August 4, 1813, died Gotzmannsgrun July 20, 1852 (enteritis), funeral Hallerstein July 23, 1852), 1st marriage Hallerstein November 26, 1822 (proclamation on November 3/10/17, 1822) with 3. Anna Margaretha Rus; born Gotzmannsgrun April 2, 1806, baptism Hallerstein April 4, 1806, died Gotzmannsgrun January 11, 1835 (smallpox), funeral Hallerstein January 13, 1835. Children from first marriage: a) Johann Erhard Dengler; butcher assistant in Gotzmannsgrun, born Gotzmannsgrun September 28, 1823, baptism Hallerstein September 30, 1823, died Gotzmannsgrun November 17, 1845, funeral Hallerstein November 19, 1845, unmarried. b) Johann Heinrich Dengler; born Gotzmannsgrun November 19, 1825, baptism Hallerstein November 23, 1825, died ?, marriage Weisdorf 1857 with Margaretha Popp [aus Hallerstein (geb. Vattes) per www.archivport-d.de]. c) Andreas Dengler, see 1. d) Maria Dorothea Dengler; born Gotzmannsgrun March 2, 1830, baptism Hallerstein March 5, 1830, died ?. e) Johann Dengler; born Gotzmannsgrun June 26, 1832, baptism Hallerstein June 29, 1832, died Gotzmannsgrun February 20, 1834 (convulsion), funeral Hallerstein February 22, 1834. f) Johann Dengler; born Gotzmannsgrun December 20, 1834, baptism Hallerstein December 26, 1834, died Gotzmannsgrun January 8, 1835 (smallpox), funeral Hallerstein January 10, 1835. Children from second marriage: g) Johann Adam Dengler; born Gotzmannsgrun November 11, 1836, emergency baptism Gotzmannsgrun November 15, 1836, died Gotzmannsgrun November 15, 1836 (stroke), funeral Hallerstein November 17, 1836. h) Johann Adam Dengler; born Gotzmannsgrun November 28, 1838, baptism Gotzmannsgrun November 29, 1838, died ?. i) Johann Heinrich Dengler; born Gotzmannsgrun November 17, 1840, baptism Hallerstein November 21, 1840, died ?. j) Johann Jacob Dengler; born Gotzmannsgrun March 20, 1843, baptism Hallerstein March 25, 1843, died ?, marriage Hallerstein January 17, 1867 with Margaretha Ritter. k) Andreas Dengler; born Gotzmannsgrun April 12, 1845, baptism Hallerstein April 19, 1845, died Gotzmannsgrun May 5, 1845 (convulsion), funeral Hallerstein May 7, 1845. l) Barbara Dengler; born Gotzmannsgrun December 13, 1847, baptism Hallerstein December 20, 1847, died Gotzmannsgrun March 2, 1848 (stroke), funeral Hallerstein March 4, 1848. m) Andreas Dengler; born Gotzmannsgrun September 7, 1849, baptism Gotzmannsgrun September 9, 1849, died Gotzmannsgrun September 10, 1849 (stroke), funeral Hallerstein September 12, 1849. n) Johann Dengler; born Gotzmannsgrun July 10, 1850 (ten weeks too early), emergency baptism Gotzmannsgrun July 11, 1850, died Gotzmannsgrun July 11, 1850 (weakness), funeral Hallerstein July 13, 1850. o) Margaretha Dengler; born Gotzmannsgrun September 5, 1851, baptism Gotzmannsgrun September 7, 1851, died Gotzmannsgrun August 12, 1852 (stroke), funeral Hallerstein August 14, 1852. 2nd generation (grandparents): 4. Jacob Dengler; farmer in Gotzmannsgrun house number 5, born approx. 1764, died Gotzmannsgrun January 8, 1833 (inflammation), funeral Hallerstein January 10, 1833, marriage (before 1796) with 5. N. Fuchs; born Formitz, died ?. 6. Johann Christoph Rus; innkeeper and master butcher in Hallerstein house number 14, born ?, died ?, marriage Hallerstein February 3, 1806 (proclamations on January 19/26/February 2, 1806) with 7. Dorothea Kieling; born Gotzmannsgrun, died ?. 3rd generation (great grandparents): 8.-11. NN 12. Johann Christoph Rus; innkeeper and master butcher in Hallerstein house number 14, marriage with 13. NN. 14. Nicolaus Kieling; farmer in Gotzmannsgrun, marriage with 15. NN. Further research is possible in the records of the Lutheran parish of Hallerstein. Annex Excerpts from the registers of the Lutheran parish of Hallerstein 1. Records of Johann Georg Dengler (2) and Anna Margaretha Rus (3) Entry in death records of Hallerstein 1869, volume 2, page 73, number 9: Nr. 9 Johann Georg widowed farmer in Gotzmannsgrun, county and district court of Munchberg, Lutheran, died in Gotzmannsgrun on September 7, 1869, 8:45 a.m., due to chronical stomach inflammation, after having been 3 weeks in the bed and 2 years ill, and was buried by pastor Hiltner on September 9 with a blessing and by holding of a sermon. Gotzmannsgrun house number 5 His age: 67 years, 3 months, 17 days. Doctor: without. Entry in death records of Hallerstein 1835, volume 1, page 149, number 3: Nr. 3 Gotzmannsgrun Anna Margaretha Dengler, wife of the farmer Johann Georg Dengler, nee Rus from here, died on January 11, 7 p.m., due to smallpox and was silently buried on January 13; her age 28 years, 10 months, 9 days. Entry in marriage records of Hallerstein 1836, volume 1, page 97, number 1: Nr. 1 Gotzmannsgrun Johann Georg Dengler, farmer and inhabitant in Gotzmannsgrun, a widower, was married with his fiancee Eva Popp, oldest daughter of the farmer Heinrich Dengler [?, should be Erhardt Adam Popp] from here, in the local church on January 28, 1836, 6 a.m, after threefold proclamation. Entry in baptism record of Hallerstein 1813, volume 1, page 177, number 5: Nr. 5 Hallerstein Eva Popp was legitimately born on August 2, 12:30 p.m., and baptized on August 4. Father. Erhardt Adam Popp, farmer in Hallerstein. Mother: Margaretha, nee Vates from Formitz. Godmother, Eva, wife of Simon Popp, blacksmith in Formitz. Entry in death records of Hallerstein 1852, volume 1, page 222, number 11: Nr. 11 Gotzmannsgrun Eva Dengler, wife of Johann Georg Dengler in Gotzmannsgrun, nee Popp from here, died on July 20, 6 p.m., due to enteritis (necrosis) and was buried on July 23 by holding of a sermon. Her age 38 years, 11 months, 18 days. 2. Record of Jacob Dengler (4) Entry in death records of Hallerstein 1833, volume 1, page 139, number 1: Nr. 1 Gotzmannsgrun Jacob Dengler retiree, former farmer in Gotzmannsgrun, died on January 8, 2:30 p.m., due to an inflammation with an age of 68 years, 2 months and 13 days and was buried on January 10 by holding of a sermon. Donated 1 Prussian Taler. 3. Record of Johann Christoph Rus (6) and Dorothea Kieling (7) Entry in marriage records of Hallerstein 1806, volume 1, page 47, number 1 (damage of the page due to fire): Nr. 1 Johann Christoph Rus, newly beginning master butcher and innkeeper here in Hallerstein, youngest son of master Johann Christoph Rus, butcher and innkeeper here, of unmarried status, was publicly proclaimed on 2nd and 3rd Sunday after Epiphany and on Sunday Septuagesima [= January 19/26/February 2, 1806] and married on February 3, with Dorothea Kieling, 4th daughter of Nicolaus Kieling, honorable farmer and inhabitant in Gotzmannsgrun, of unmarried status."

Below is what I believe is the true descent of the Dengler family. It is based to some extent on my Grandmother's recollections. An excellent site for Dengler family information is at Family Tree Maker.

My G-G-G-G-Grandfather on the Dengler side. A farmer who lived in Gotzmannsgrun, in house number 5, see map above. Gotzmannsgrun is in northern Bavaria, in the district of Hof, in Upper Franconia. Jacob married a woman named N. Fuchs, who had been born in Formitz. Formitz is a village just south of Gotzmannsgrun.

By the way, in front of house number 5 is a pitch oil stone [pechelstein] of ancient origin. This is a stone specially carved and shaped to extract pitch from resinous pine branches. The pine branches were stacked in a pyramid on the stone and covered with spruce branches and earth. It was then fired for at least a day. The wood, which did not burn because of the lack of oxygen, gave off pitch, or wood tar. This was carried into a container by drains or troughs cut into the pitch oil stone. Turpentine and charcoal were also extracted.

Jacob Dengler died of an inflammation [of what was unspecified] in 1833.

The child off Jacob Dengler was,
(22) Johann Georg Dengler (1802)

Gotzmannsgrun A small village within the borough of Schwarzenbach an der Saale, in Landkreis Hof, Upper Franconia, Bavaria. It lies on the south side of the Saale river, just southwest of the village of Schwarzenbach an der Saale. "Gottmannsgrun, 2 1/2 hours NNW of Asch, right side of the Regnitz, very scattered village of 103 houses and 780 inhabitants, divided into Ober- and Unter-Gottmansgrun, in the parishes of Roebach and Niklasberg, respectively, has 4 taverns. Apart are (a) Schwammenbach, 1 number; (b) the 3 hammer mills ("Upper", "Middle" with board saw, and "Lower") along the Regnitz, and (c) the Ziegenmohle with a board saw, along the same creek. The hammer mills are in the parish of Regnitz-Losau (Bavaria)." - from "Kingdom of Bavaria" volume 15, by J. G. Sommer, 1847 A modern view of the village makes it look more like a conglomerate of farm buildings which support the surronding pasture land. Schwarzenbach an der Saale A borough, due south of Hof, centered on the village of Schwarzenbach on the Saale river. Landkreis Hof The district of Hof is located in the northeast of the region of Upper Franconia in Bavaria, just off the western-most tip of the Czech Republic. In the 15th century this region was part of the Principality of Bayreuth, ruled by a branch of the Hohenzollern family. The other branch of the family ruled the Margraviate of Brandenburg, later Prussia, centered on the city of Berlin. In 1791, the Bayreuth branch of the Hohenzollern family having died out, the principality was annexed by Prussia. In 1807 Napoleonic France forced Prussia to cede the terriotry to them. They passed it on to the Kingdom of Bavaria in 1810. Hof was part of what was known as the Oberland, or upper land, of the principality of Bayreuth. This was a hilly country intersected by several branches of the Fichtelberg mountains. It has a cold climate and relatively barren soil, but good pasturage for cattle and sheep. While the western half of Upper Franconia is predominantly Catholic, the eastern half, including Bayreuth, Kulmbach, and Hof, are mainly of the Protestant faith of the Evangelical Church. Upper Franconia The administrative region of Upper Franconia. "The origins of Franconia lie in the settlement of the Franks from the 6th century in the area probably populated until then mainly by the Elbe Germanic people in the Main river area. Known from the 9th century as Francia Orientalis (East Francia). In the Middle Ages the region formed much of the eastern part of the Duchy of Franconia and, from 1500, the Franconian Circle. In the course of the restructuring of the south German states by Napoleon after the demise of the Holy Roman Empire, most of Franconia was awarded to Bavaria. Franconia never developed into a unified territorial state, because the patchwork quilt of small states survived the Middle Ages and lasted until the 18th century." - from Wikipedia. Bavaria Bavaria, located in the southeast corner of present-day Germany, is the largest of the German states. It is a land of alpine mountains, primordial forests, leather-pants and dancing peasants, beer halls, Danube river wineries, and Disney-esque castles built by a mad king. The region has frequently been a battlefield; in the 18th century in the wars of the Spanish Succession, the Austrian Succession, and the Bavarian Succession, and in the French Revolutionary Wars; in the 19th century in the wars of Napoleon. In the latter period Bavaria was allied with France (they had little choice) and joined the Confederation of the Rhine, but later sided with the allies as France fell in 1815. During the period of reaction that followed in Europe, Bavaria stood out for its relatively liberal government. However, the revolutionary events of 1848 that swept Europe also swept King Ludwig I (1824-1848) out of power. In Bavaria the Revolution came in March 1848 in the form of widespread popular demands for reforms of all kinds. Catalysed into action by the stirring news from Paris of the revolution in late February which forced King Louis Philippe into exile, public assemblies in Bavaria met and formulated requests for change. With the exception of scattered outbreaks of peasant violence against tax collectors, landlords and Jews in Franconia and Swabia, the "revolution" of 1848 in Bavaria was non-violent. Thousands of Munich citizens agreed on a list of demands which they presented to King Ludwig I on 3 March 1848. On 6 March, under pressure from his advisors and family because of popular criticism of his personal life and unwilling to preside over political changes he considered incompatible with monarchy, Ludwig I agreed to abdicate in favor of his son, Maximilian II. This was one of the few monarchical changes in Germany brought on by the revolution. During this unsettled period many Bavarians emigrated. King Louis was succeeded by Maximilliam II (1848-1864) and the brilliant, but insane, Louis II (1864-1886). The rural prosperity of Bavaria and the strong influence of the Catholic Church accented the hostility of Bavaria toward the rising power of Prussia in the latter half of the 19th century. Bavaria sided with Austria in the Austro-Prussian War in 1866. Defeated, it acknowledged Prussian leadership. It sided with Prussia against France in 1870-71, and joined the German Empire in 1871. As the chief German state after Prussia, Bavaria retained separatist tendencies. Munich, the capital of Bavaria, was the scene of Hitler's failed Beer Hall Putsch.

My G-G-G-Grandfather on the Dengler side. A farmer in Gotzmannsgrun, house number 5, in northern Bavaria. He was born in Gotzmannsgrun on 20 May 1802 and baptized in Hallerstein on 20 May 1802. Hallerstein is a village just east of Gotzmannsgrun, on the other side of the Formitztalsperre, a small lake.

Johann married twice. He married Anna Margaretha Russ on 26 November 1822 in Hallersteinn. Anna Margaretha, the daughter of Johann Christoph Russ and Dorothea Kiessling, was born on 2 April 1806 in Gotzmannsgrun and baptized in Hallerstein on 4 April 1806. Johann Russ was an innkeeper and master butcher in Hallerstein. He and Dorothea were married in 1806, just two months before the birth of Anna. They lived in house number 14 in Hallerstein.

Anna died of smallpox in 1835, only 28 years old. Johann then married Eva Popp, of Hallerstein, in 1836. She was born in 1813 and died of enteritis in 1852. Johann died in Gotzmannsgrun of a stomach inflammation on about 7 September 1869.

Johann had six children with his first wife and nine with the second. Eight of these died in childhood and one son died at the age of 22, unmarried. His children included [see above for the rest],
(23) Andreas (Andrew) Johann Dengler (1827)

My G-G-Grandfather on the Dengler side. Also known as Andreason or Andrew. Other variations include Anders and Drewes. I'm assuming that his middle name was Johann. The 1900 census indicates his middle initial was J., his father's name was Johan, and his eldest son was named Henry Johann.

"13. 13. Gotzmannsgrun
Andreas Dengler ist ehelich geboren den 19ten Octbr. Abends 4 Uhr u. am 22. ej. [ejusdem] getaufft.
P. [Pater] Johann Georg Dengler in Gotzmannsgrun allda. M. [Mater] Anna Margaretha, eine geborne Russ in von hier. T. [Taufpate] Andreas Vatus, Bauer in Formitz."

[Translation:]
13. 13. Gotzmannsgrun
Andreas Dengler was legitimately born on October 19, 4 p.m., and was baptized on October 22.
Father Johann Georg Dengler in Gotzmannsgrun. Mother Anna Margaretha, née Russ from Hallerstein. Godfather Andreas Vatus, farmer in Formitz." - from Genealogical study done September 29, 2016 in parochial registers of the Lutheran parish of Hallerstein, Schwarzenbach an der Saale, Hof, Upper Franconia, Bavaria, see above.

Andreas was born on 19 October 1827, the son of Johan Georg Dengler and Anna Margaretha Russ, in Gotzmansgrun [Gottmannsgrun, Gottsmannsgrun], Bavaria, in Germany, pictured below. This is a heavily wooded region north of Bayreuth, quite near today's border with the Czech Republic. There is a village of similar name in the Czech Republic. Gottsmannsgrun is in an area known as Landkreis Hof, in Upper Franconia. The Dengler name appears to still be common in this region. Andreas was baptized in Hallerstein.

The following, which I obtained from another researcher many years ago,

Andreas' birth was registered in the Evangelisches Pfarramt, or Evangelist [Lutheran] Rectory, on Sparnecker Strave, in Weissdorf, Germany.

I don't know anything about Andreas' youth, though he probably worked on his father's farm as a laborer. Since he had an elder brother, Johann Heinrich Dengler, he could not look to inherit the farm. The farm, per the research quoted above, was at Gotzmannsgrun No. 5, see below. I don't believe there are any historic buildings; a fire burned down the village in the 1870's.

The site of the old Dengler Farm. The Wendlersbach is a stream that flows through the village, underground.


The fire brigade gives a demonstration in Gotzmannsgrun in 2016.

By the mid-1850's Andreas had determined to emigrate. He took ship from Bremen, pictured at the right, aboard the JULIUS, under the command of Captain Johann Carl Meyer, on 21 May 1855. The ship had a total of 294 passengers for this voyage.

Why did Andreas emigrate? Political unrest in Bavaria subsequent to the Europe-wide rebellions of 1848. Economic upheaval due to changes in agriculture and the nascent industrial revolution. And, perhaps, coming from such a large family, limited opportunities for land of his own.

Most of the emigrants traveled in steerage accommodations which were in the space between the upper deck and the cargo hold. Shipowners had found in the emigrants a new source of profit and built a flimsy, temporary floor beneath the main deck and on top of the cargo hold. Sometimes this flooring was set so far down in the hold that bilge water would seep up through the planking. Rats scurried about. Ventilation and light came only from the hatches when they were open. The only lights in the compartment were a few hanging lamps along the side which could be lit at night. During a storm, emigrants were denied access to the main deck and the hatches were battened down tightly, leaving no source of ventilation, except for a few pinhole or strainer sized holes which were in the cover (Usually the hatches were not tightened down before a few waves had poured in and soaked all the bedding and clothing, however.) The storm could last for a few days or up to a week or more and the hatches would stay down. Lights could not be used during the storm because of the danger of fire.

Provisions were measured and doled out carefully to ensure they would last the required ninety days if necessary. Water was carefully rationed and only a small amount given to each passenger which had to suffice for drinking, cooking, and washing of themselves. The diet given passengers was sufficient to keep off starvation, but not healthy or appetizing. The quality of the provisions suffered during the lengthy voyages and from inadequate food preservation methods. The bread was moldy by the end of the voyage, the butter and pork fat rancid, the flour full of bugs, and the water almost undrinkable.

Andreas Dengler, aged 27, arrived in Baltimore, Maryland on 11 July 1855. That's a voyage of 49 days, just a little longer than the average of 43 days. He was in Davenport, Scott county, Iowa on 12 August 1855. That quick passage probably meant he traveled via train. The 1900 census, discussed more fully below, also showed that Andreas emigrated to America in 1855.

When Andreas arrived in Davenport he obtained employment as a farm laborer working for $15 to $20 a month for the next 4 years - from the recollections of my grandmother, Edna Dengler Offerman. Apparently this was long enough to save enough money to enable him to rent his own farm and to marry.

Andreas Dengler married Henrietta [Hinrietta] Maria Wilhemina Echof [Eckhof, Eckhoff, Eckhoeff, Eichoff] on 15 January 1859 in Davenport, Scott county, Iowa. They are pictured at the left.

Henrietta was born on 28 April 1835 in Neustadt, Holstein, Germany. She was christened on 31 May 1835. Her birth was registered at the Kirchenbuchamt, des Kirchendreises Oldenburg H., 2430, Neustadt, Holstein. Her Godparents were Susanna Elisabeth Hinrietta Geerte, Demois. Maria Carolina Winter, and Johann Friederich Wilhelm Hielm. Her parents were Johann August Echof, a laborer who died in 1839, and Catherina Margaretha Dittman, who died in 1881 in Neustadt. She had six siblings.

Henrietta's vaccination certificate shows FR the 6th. FR (that is, Frederick Rex, King of Denmark), the 6th, was King from 1808 to 1839. He was the King who lost Norway to Sweden in 1814 during the Napoleanic Wars. Denmark and Germany at that time had a "wandering border." A point of conflict was the area known as Schleswig-Holstein. In a war later in the century Germany (Prussia) seized the entire neck of the penisula and held it until the end of World War I, when the current borders were established. This explains the vaccination certificate being written in German.

It is not clear how Henrietta got to America, but she emigrated in 1853 per the 1900 census. Henrietta had 6 siblings. A marginal note mentions that she married a Dengler, though not where or when.

In the 1860 census of Scott county, Iowa as . . . I have not been able to find either Andreas or Henrietta in the 1860 census.

After he was married, Andreas rented a piece of land and farmed it for the next 15 years. He then [this would be about 1874] purchased 140 acres in Hickory Grove Township, northwest of Davenport. This was his last home. "He had his farm under good cultivation and well stocked. He was a consistent member of the Lutheran church" - paraphrased from "History of Scott County, Iowa", Page 1087 - Copywrite 1882. Note that Andreas Dengler was a Lutheran from southern Germany where Catholicism was strong, while John Offermann, the other side of my mom's family, was a Catholic from northern Germany where Protestantism ruled.

Andreas Dengler, a native of Bavaria, became a U.S. Citizen on 13 October 1863.

In the 1870 census of Sheridan township, Scott county, Iowas as Andreas Dengler, a 43 [1826] year old farmer, born in Bavaria, with real property worth $900. However, according to the "History of Scott County, Iowa" he was still renting his farm at this time. Living with him were his wife, Henrietta, aged 39, born in Holstein, and his children, all born in Iowa, Johann, 9, Adolph, 7, Eliza, 5, Charles, 3, and Ernst, 1. In the "Productions in Agriculture" schedule of the 1870 census as Andress Dengler. He had 80 "improved" acres worth $3200, $100 worth of farm implements and had paid $250 in wages. He had 5 horses, 5 milk cows, 2 other cattle and 9 pigs. So, where was the $900 of real property?

It was in about 1874 that Andreas bought his 140-acre farm in Hickory Groves township.

In the 1880 census of Hickory Grove township, Scott county, Iowa as Andrew Dengler, a 53 year old farmer, born in Bavaria. Both his mother and his father were born in Bavaria. Living with him were his wife, Henrietta [Hannetta in Ancestry.com], 45, who was born in Holstein, Germany in 1835. Both of her parents were from Holstein. Also living with him were his children, Johann [now known as G. Henry], 18, and Adolph, 17, who were working on the farm, Eliza, 15, Charles, 13, also working on the farm, Earnest, 11, William, 8, and Amelia, 6, who were at school, and Berthie, 4, and August, 1.

In the 1882 plat map of Hickory Grove township, the farm of Andrew Dengler was in Section 28.

In the 1886 Charles O. Ebel Directory as "*Dengler Andresen, farmer, Davenport." The * indicates a real estate owner.

In a list Scott county marriages, on 13 December 1887 Elsie Dengler married Carl Friedrich Kohl. The witness was Andreas Dengler.

In the 1894 plat map of Hickory Grove township, the farm of Andrew Dengler was in the southeast quarter of Section 28.

In the Iowa census of 1895 as Andreas Dengler, a 67 year old farmer residing in Hickory Grove. Living with him were his wife, Henrietta, 59, and children, Wilhelm, 23, Amelia, 20, Bertha, 18, and August, 16.

In the 1900 census of Hickory Grove township as Andrew J. Dengler, a 73 year old retired farmer, born in Germany in October 1826 [sic]. He emigrated to America in 1855. He was living with his daughter, Bertha, 24, and her husband William Siepke. His wife, "Jitte" H., 65, was also living with them. They had been married for 41 years. She was shown as born in Germany in April 1835. She emigrated in 1853 and had 9 children, 8 of whom were living. Note that her youngest son, August, had died the year before.

Henrietta & Andreas seated son August with accordian. May be Bertha with bicycle.

Andreas died on 19 August 1900 in Hickory Grove, Scott county, Iowa. His will was probated on 27 August 1900 and reported in the local paper on 5 September.

"August Dengler died at his home in Hickory Grove township, Sunday morning. The deceased was well known throughout the county. Mr Dengler was born at Bavaria, Germany, October 19, 1827, and came to this county August 12, 1855. He has farmed in Hickory Grove township for the past 25 years. The deceased is survived by his wife and the following children: Henry, Adolph, Charles, William, Ernst, Mrs Amelia Peters, Mrs Bertha Siebke and Mrs Lizzie Kohl. The funeral will be held Tuesday morning at 9 o'clock with the interment at Pinehill cemetery." - from Davenport Daily Leader: Aug 20 1900

Henrietta died shortly afterward, on 27 September 1901 and was buried near Andreas in the Pine Hill cemetary.

From "History of Scott County, Iowa," 1882 Chicago: Interstate Publishing Company - "Andrew Dengler is a native of Bavaria, Germany, born Oct. 19, 1827. He emigrated to America, Aug. 12, 1855. He located in Davenport, Iowa. He obtained employment as a farm laborer, working for $15 and $20 a month for four years. He was married to Henrietta Eckhoeff, Jan. 15, 1859. After he was married Mr. Dengler rented land for 15 years, then purchased 140 acres in Hickory Grove Township, which is his present home. He has his farm under good cultivation and well stocked. Mr. and Mrs. Dengler have nine children - Henry, Adolph, Lizzie, Charles, Earnest, William, Amelia, Bettie and August; four of them are going to school. Mr. Dengler is a consistent member of the Lutheran church."

Andreas' children were,
(24) Henry Johann Dengler (1862)
(24) Adolph Dengler (1863)
(24) Elizabeth (Lizzie) Dengler (1865)
(24) Charles Dengler (1866)
(24) Ernest Dengler (1868)
(24) William Otto Dengler (1871)
(24) Amelia Dengler (1874)
(24) Bertha (Bettie) Dengler (1876)
(24) August Dengler (1878)

Andreas' eldest son. He was born in 1862, per his tombstone. In the 1870 census of Sheridan township, Scott county, Iowas as Johann Dengler, 9. In the 1880 census of Hickory Grove township, Scott county, Iowa his name was "Americanized" as G. Henry Dengler, 18. His occupation was listed as "works on farm." I can only guess that his initial was some kind of census takers mistake, that is G. for J. [Johann].

Henry married Anna M. Japp in about 1884. She was born in 1859. In the 1895 state census of Cleona township, Scott county, Iowa as Henry Dengler, a 33 year old farmer. Living with him was his wife, Anna, 35, and children, Henry, 10, William, 8, Eddie, 6, John, 5, and Harry, 3. As late as 1882 Cleona was still an exclusively agricultural area with neither village nor postoffice within its boundaries. It was in the prairie zone and had less than 15 acres of timber in the entire township.

In the 1900 census of Cleona, Scott county, Iowa as Henry Dengler, a 39 year old farmer, born in September 1861. Living with him were his wife, Anna, 40, and children, Henry, 15, William, 13, Edward, 11, John, 10, Harry, 9, and a daughter, Minnie, 5. The photograph below was probably taken just after 1900.

In the 1910 census of Cleona, Scott county, Iowa as Henry Dengler [Bengler in Ancestry.com], a 48 year old farmer. Living with him were his wife, Annie, 50, and children, William C., 23, John A., 20, and Harry E., 19, all farm laborers, and Minnie M., 14. Henry had been married for 26 years. Annie had 6 children, all of whom were still living. Henry and Edward had moved out by this time. Edward was a hired hand on a farm "next-door" to his father's.

In the 1920 census of Davenport, Scott county Iowa as Henry Dengler, a 58 year old laborer at the Arsenal. Living with him were his wife, Anna, 60, and children, William, a 32 year old farm laborer, John, a 30 year old laborer at the Arsenal, Harry, a 28 year old farm laborer, and Wilhelmina, 24. Henry and his son, John, were probably holdovers from the expanded Arsenal workforce of World War I.

Anna died on 29 May 1920 and was buried in the Fairmount cemetary in Davenport.

In the 1930 census of Davenport as Henry Dengler, a 68 year old trucker with a freight house. He was a widower. Living with him were his children Wilhelmina, 34, William, 43, and Louis, his grandson by Henry Jr., aged 21. Louis was a sign builder in an advertising firm.

Henry J. Dengler died on 22 March 1938 and was buried in the Fairmount cemetary in Davenport, next to his wife, Anna. Cemetary records confirm that his wife was Anna Japp. Henry's children were,
(25) Henry A. Dengler (1885)
(25) William C. Dengler (1887)
(25) Edward C. Dengler (1889)
(25) John A. Dengler (1890)
(25) Harry Dengler (1891)
(25) Wilhelmina Dengler (1895)

In the 1895 state census of Cleona township, Scott county, Iowa as Henry Dengler Jr., 10. In the 1900 census of Cleona, Scott county, Iowa as Henry Dengler Jr., 15, living at home with his parents.

He married Emma A. Koeppe on 22 January 1908 - Index to Original Marriage Certificates, Quad-Cities Memory Project. He was 23 and she was 21. I have an Emma Dengler who was born on 1 February 1887. In the 1910 census of Fulton township, Muscatine county, Iowa as Henry Dengler, 25. No occupation was shown, but he had two hired men who work on a farm, which I assume was his. Living with him were his wife, Emma, 20, and son, Louis, 1 5/12. In the 1920 census of Hickory Grove, Scott county, Iowa as Henry A. Dengler, a 35 year old farmer. Living with him were his wife, Emma A., 32, and children, Louie H., 11, Walter C., 9, Edwin J., 6, and Ella A., 2 8/12.

In the 1930 census of Hickory Grove, Scott county, Iowa as Henry A. Dengler [Denglara in Ancestry.com], a 45 year old. Living with him were his wife, Emma A., 43, and children, Walter C., 18, Edwin J., 16, Ella A., 12, Irwin O., 8, and Lester W., 5. His eldest son, Louis, was living with his father, Henry J. Dengler, at this time.

I don't know when Henry died. I have an Emma Dengler, the one born in 1887, who died in April 1971 in Davenport. Henry's children were,
(26) Louis H. Dengler (1908)
(26) Walter C. Dengler (1912)
(26) Edwin J. Dengler (1913)
(26) Ella A. Dengler (1918)
(26) Irvin O. Dengler (1922)
(26) Lester W. Dengler (1925)

He was born on 21 December 1908. In the 1910 census of Fulton township, Muscatine county, Iowa as Louis Dengler, 1 5/12. In the 1920 census of Hickory Grove, Scott county, Iowa as Louie H. Dengler, 11. In the 1930 census of Davenport as Louis Dengler, a 21 year old sign builder in an advertising firm. He was living with his grandfather at this time. He died on 15 May 1996 in Davenport.

He was born on 19 January 1912. In the 1920 census of Hickory Grove, Scott county, Iowa as Walter C. Dengler, 9. In the 1930 census of Hickory Grove, Scott county, Iowa as Walter C. Dengler [Denglara in Ancestry.com], 18. He died in February 1977 in Davenport.

He was born on 30 August 1913. In the 1920 census of Hickory Grove, Scott county, Iowa as Edwin J. Dengler, 6. In the 1930 census of Hickory Grove, Scott county, Iowa as Edwin J. Dengler [Denglara in Ancestry.com], 16. He died in March 1960.

She was born on 3 May 1917 in "rural Scott County, Iowa, to Henry and Emma Dengler. In the 1920 census of Hickory Grove, Scott county, Iowa as Ella A. Dengler, 2 8/12. In the 1930 census of Hickory Grove, Scott county, Iowa as Ella A. Dengler [Denglara in Ancestry.com], 12. She married Elmer Joens in 1936. He died on 12 September 1990. Her obituary:

Ella Joens, 87, of Davenport, went to join her husband and son in eternal rest June 1, 2004.

Services are 10 a.m. Thursday at Runge, Davenport. Burial is in Maysville Cemetery. Visitation is 5 to 7 p.m. today.

Ella Dengler was born May 3, 1917, in rural Scott County, Iowa, to Henry and Emma Dengler. She married Elmer Joens in 1936. He died Sept. 12, 1990.

Surviving are her brothers and sister-in-law, Irvin Dengler, Davenport, Lester and Mary Dengler, Davenport; nieces, nephews. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her son, Ronald, Oct. 2, 1965, and three brothers.

In the 1930 census of Hickory Grove, Scott county, Iowa as Irwin O. Dengler [Denglara in Ancestry.com], 8. He lived in Eldridge, Iowa.

In the 1930 census of Hickory Grove, Scott county, Iowa as Lester W. Dengler [Denglara in Ancestry.com], 5. His wife was Mary. They lived in Davenport.

In the 1895 state census of Cleona township, Scott county, Iowa as William Dengler, 8. In the 1900 census of Cleona, Scott county, Iowa as William Dengler, 13. In the 1910 census of Cleona, Scott county, Iowa as William C. Dengler [Bengler in Ancestry.com], 23, a farm laborer. He probably served in World War I. The Scott county, Iowa GenWeb Project lists, in its Index to WWI Soldier's Discharge Records, William C. Dengler.

In the 1920 census of Davenport, Scott county Iowa as William Dengler, a 32 year old farm laborer, living at home with his parents. In the 1930 census of Davenport as William Dengler, a single man, 43, with no occupation [!], and still living at home with his father. I suspect that, having delayed marriage this long, he probably had no children.

In the 1895 state census of Cleona township, Scott county, Iowa as Eddie Dengler, 6. In the 1900 census of Cleona, Scott county, Iowa as Edward Dengler, 11.

In the 1910 census of Cleona as Edward C. [L?] Dengler, a 21 year old hired man living with his employer, John Rathjen. His father lived on a farm nearby. In the 1920 census of Doon township, Lyon county, Iowa as Edward Dengler, a 31 year old farmer. Living with him was his wife, Minna, 27. I don't see him in the 1930 census.

He was born on 7 February 1890. In the 1895 state census of Cleona township as John Dengler, 5. In the 1900 census of Cleona, Scott county, Iowa as John Dengler, 10. In the 1910 census of Cleona, Scott county, Iowa as John A. Dengler [Bengler in Ancestry.com], 20, a farm laborer. In the 1920 census of Davenport, Scott county Iowa as John Dengler, a 30 year old laborer at the Arsenal, living at home with his father.

He married Johanna E. Rieckers on 12 May 1920 - Index to Original Marriage Certificates, Quad-Cities Memory Project. She was born in 1887. In the 1930 census of Davenport, Iowa as John A. Dengler, a 40 year old "car checker" at the flour mill. Living with him were his wife, Johanna E., 42, and children, Albert J., 8, and Lawrence L., 3 1/2, and his Uncle Charles Dengler, aged 63, see below. He died in January 1971 in Davenport and was buried in the Pine Hill cemetary, next to his wife, Johanna.

His children were,
(26) Albert J. Dengler (1921)
(26) Lawrence L. Dengler (1926)

He was born on 3 November 1921. In the 1930 census of Davenport, Iowa as Albert J. Dengler, 8. He died on 13 January 1990 in Davenport.

He was born on 9 September 1926. In the 1930 census of Davenport, Iowa as Lawrence L. Dengler, 3 1/2. The "Coe Cosmos," a newspaper of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, said, in an article dated 9 February 1944,

"Burlington high school dominated the eighth annual Coe College invitational high school forensic tournament . . .
Besides Burlington, four other high school debate teams won superiors. They were Davenport . . .
Awarded superior ratings among the indiviudal boy debaters were . . . Lawrence Dengler of Davenport . . ."

In the 1895 state census of Cleona township, Scott county, Iowa as Harry Dengler, 3. In the 1900 census of Cleona, Scott county, Iowa as Harry Dengler, 9. In the 1910 census of Cleona, Scott county, Iowa as Harry E. Dengler [Bengler in Ancestry.com], 19, a farm laborer, living at home with his parents. In the 1920 census of Davenport, Scott county Iowa as Harry Dengler, a 28 year old farm laborer living at home with his father.

In the 1930 census of Doon township, Lyon county, Iowa as Harry Dengler, a 34 year farm laborer working for Diedrich Causing. Note that Edward C. Dengler, above, lived in this area around 1920.

In 1948 Harry Dengler bought a home in west Dysart - from the Waterloo Daily Courier.

She was born on 30 May 1895. In the 1900 census of Cleona, Scott county, Iowa as Minnie Dengler, 5. In the 1910 census of Cleona, Scott county, Iowa as Minnie M. Dengler [Bengler in Ancestry.com], 14. In the 1920 census of Davenport, Scott county Iowa as Wilhelmina Dengler, 24, living at home with her father. In the 1930 census of Davenport as Wilhelmina Dengler, 34, still living at home with her father. She died in July 1982 in Davenport, apparently having never married.

He was born on 23 May 1863. In the 1870 census of Sheridan township, Scott county, Iowas as Adolph Dengler, 7. In the 1880 census of Hickory Grove township, Scott county, Iowa as Adolph Dengler, 17, working on his parent's farm.

Adolph married Mary [Maria] Kroeger on 16 July 1883 in Davenport, Iowa. They are pictured to the right. Adolph's father, Andreas Dengler. witnessed the wedding. Adolph and Mary left Scott County in about 1893 and rented a farm 4 miles east of Traer, in Tama County.

In the state census of 1895 of Clark township, Tama county, Iowa as Adolph Dengler, 32. Living with him were his wife, Mary, 32, and children, L. [Louis], 11, Emma, 9, Emil, 6, Ernest, 3, and Henry, 2. Tama county lies near the center of the State. In 1896 they bought their first farm, located 4 miles west of Dysart, which is the county seat of Tama county.

In the 1900 census of Clark township, Tama county as Adolph Dengler [Dangler in Ancestry.com], a 37 year old [May 1863] farmer. Living with him were his wife, Mary, 36 [March 1864], and children, Louis, 15 [November 1884], Emma, 14 [November 1885], Emil, 10 [June 1889], Earnest, 8 [November 1891], Henry, 7 [January 1893], Otto, 3 [April 1897], and Laura, 10/12 [July 1899]. Adolph and Mary had been married for 17 years. Mary had 9 children, 7 of whom were still living.

In the 1910 census of Clark township, Tama county as Adolph Dengler, a 47 year old farmer. Living with him were his wife, Mary, 46, and children, Earnest, 18, Henry, 17, Otto, 13, Laura, 11, Harry, 8, and Elsie, 4. Living on one side of him was his son, Lewis Dengler, 26, and to the other his brother, Charles Dengler, 44.

He later purchased 3 more farms, and also some bare land, which was all within 2 miles of his home place. Ernest, Harry, Otto and Henry lived on these 4 farms. The daughter, Emma, who married Henry Schreck, also lived on an adjacent farm, which was owned by Adolph's brother, Charles. Charles lived there before moving to Scott county. Adolph also bought 2 farms south of Hudson, where Emil, Louie and Laura lived.

Adolph was noted for raising lots of potatoes and would sell them by wagon load in Traer, Dysart and Clutier. He was president of Farmers Mutual Fire Insurance Company for many years.

Adolph and Mary retired to Traer. In the 1920 census of Perry township, Tama county, Iowa as Adolph Dengler, a 56 year old without occupation. Living with him was his wife, Mary, 55. All the children had moved out.

In the 1930 census of Traer, Tama county, Iowa as Adolph Dengler [Lengler in Ancestry.com], a 66 year old with no occupation. Living with him was his wife, Mary, 66. The following was from a local newspaper highlighting their 50th anniversary,

"Adolph Dengler and Wife were Honored on Golden Wedding Day" [1933]
Picnic with 65 Relatives Attending Was Big Surprise for Traer Couple
Have Spent 40 Years in North Tama County
Both Are Natives of Iowa - Parents of Eleven Children, Seven Living

The golden wedding anniversary of Mr. & Mrs. Adolph Dengler, of east Traer, was fittingly celebrated Sunday by their children and their families and other relatives. The couple had expected to pass the day quietly at home, but were induced to attend a picnic at the Theo F. Clark state park, northwest of town. There they were amazed to find a crowd of more than sixty people assembled in their honor. Dinner was served from baskets brought by the numerous families, and the afternoon was spent pleasantly. It was a memorable event for the honored couple.

It is a surprise to many Traer and north Tama county friends that Mr. & Mrs. Dengler have been married fifty years. Mr. Dengler was 70 years old on May 23. Mrs. Dengler was 69 on March 29. Neither looks nearly that old.

Both are natives of Scott county, Iowa, and their entire lives have been spent in this state. Both were born and reared on a farm and they were neighbors in childhood, having known each other since the age of 10. The couple was married in Davenport on July 16, 1883, and farmed in Scott county ten years after their marriage. Forty years ago last spring they moved to north Tama county, leasing the James Brown farm which has been operated by Theo Stoakes many years, then owned by H.P. Jensen, of Dysart. This was their home three years. In 1895 they bought the John Noll farm which was their home for many years. In 1918 they located in Traer, building a modern house on First Street which has been their home since.

During the last forty years few farmers have been more industrious, thrifty & successful than the Denglers. They acquired several hundred acres of rich land in Clark township and in south Black Hawk county, all of which is operated by their children. They have four children in Clark township and three living over in Black Hawk. Each is on a farm owned by the father. The living children are Louis and Emil, near Hudson; Ernest, Henry, Otto and Harry, all of Clark Township, and Mrs. Laura Snider, of Black Hawk county. Mr. & Mrs. Dengler have had eleven children, four of whom have passed on. Besides the married daughter, Mrs. Emma Schreck, four other children, two boys and on girl, died in early life. There are twenty-five grandchildren and one great grandchild.

Mr. Dengler has three sisters and four brothers living - Mrs. Lizzie Cole, Rock Rapids, Ia.; Mrs. Amelia Petersen, of Nebraska; Mrs. Bertha Siepke, Lake Park, Ia.; Henry, Ernest, and Charles Dengler, all of Davenport; and Will, of Lester, Ia. the brother Charles is well known in north Tama, having farmed here from 1894 until twelve or fifteen years ago, when he retired in Davenport. Mrs. Dengler is the last member of her family. Three sisters and a brother are dead.

Although a resident of Traer during the last fifteen years, Mr. Dengler has never actually retired from farming, as he spends much of his time overseeing his farms. He has served for several years as president of the Tama County Mutual Fire Insurance Association. He and Mrs. Dengler are in good health.

All of the children and grandchildren were present Sunday. Others who attended included: Mr. & Mrs. Henry Schreck & family, of Dysart; Mr. & Mrs. Will Joens, LaPorte; Mr. & Mrs. Jake Johannsen & family, Gladbrook; Mr. & Mrs. Marcus Billerbeck and family, Grundy Center; Mr. & Mrs. John Prigge, Traer; Mr. & Mrs. Lothar Hamann and son, Hudson; Miss Helen Jacobsen, Clutier; Miss Leona Petersen, Reinbeck; Albert Petersen, Dysart; Ralph Brown & Gordon Loonan, Hudson. The company numbered sixty-five. It was decided to have a reunion again next year.

Adolph's children were,
(25) Louis Dengler (1883)
(25) Emma Dengler (1885)
(25) Rudolph Dengler (1888)
(25) Emil Dengler (1889)
(25) Ernest Dengler (1891)
(25) Henry Dengler (1893)
(25) Clara Dengler (1896)
(25) Otto Dengler (1897)
(25) Laura Dengler (1899)
(25) Harry Dengler (1901)
(25) Albert Dengler (1904)
(25) Elsie Dengler (1906)

He was born on 13 November 1883 in Scott county, Iowa. In the state census of 1895 of Clark township, Tama county, Iowa as L. [Louis] Dengler, 11. In the 1900 census of Clark township, Tama county as Louis Dengler [Dangler in Ancestry.com], 15 [November 1884].

Louis came to north Tama with his parents in boyhood. He was reared on a farm between Traer and Dysart. He married Emma [Matilda] Schmidt at Maurice, Iowa on 18 August 1908.

In the 1910 census of Clark township, Tama county as Lewis [sic] Dengler, a 26 year old farmer. Living with him were his wife, Emma, 22, and daughter, Irma, 7/12. His farm was "next-door" to that of his father, Adolph, and his uncle, Charles.

In the 1920 census of Clark township, Tama county as Louis Dengler [Dangler in Ancestry.com], a 36 year old farmer. Living with him were his wife, Emma, 33, and children, Irma, 10, Esther, 8, Francis, 6, Evelyn, 4 4/12, and Howard, 2 3/12. Louis' brothers, Otto and Ernest, had farms close-by.

They engaged in farming in north Tama county until 1920 when they moved to South Dakota. I found a reference in the FDR Library to a "Cowan & Dengler" in Cowan, South Dakota. I don't have any other information about this nor do I know what it means. They farmed in that state until Mrs. Dengler's death in 1927. The family returned to Iowa, and farmed south of Hudson for many years.

In the 1930 census of Lincoln township, Black Hawk county, Iowa as Louis Dengler, a 46 year old farmer. Living with him were his children, Irma H., 20, Esther, 18, Frances, 16, Evelyn, 14, Howard, 12, Willis, 10, Percy, 7, and Madeline, 4. His brother, Emil, lived next door.

I think Louis remarried after this, probably to a woman named Trent, because in 1949 Louis was noted in the Waterloo Daily Courier to have visited his step-son, Kenneth Trent, in Coronado, California. Louis died and was buried in Dysart cemetery. His children were,
(26) Irma H. Dengler (1909)
(26) Esther Louise Dengler (1911)
(26) Frances Dengler (1914)
(26) Evelyn F. Dengler (1915)
(26) Howard Louis Dengler (1917)
(26) Willis Ernest Dengler (1920)
(26) Percy L. Dengler (1923)
(26) Madeline D. Dengler (1926)

Also known as Erma. She was born on 20 September 1909. In the 1910 census of Clark township, Tama county as Irma Dengler, 7/12. In the 1920 census of Clark township, Tama county as Irma Dengler [Dangler in Ancestry.com], 10. In the 1930 census of Lincoln township, Black Hawk county, Iowa as Irma H. Dengler, 20.

She married Raymond Franck [Franks]. They had two children. They were living in San Diego in 1949 when Louis came to visit them. She died on 15 June 1996 in Sun City, Arizona.

She was born on 9 October 1911 in Tama County, Iowa. In the 1920 census of Clark township, Tama county as Esther Dengler [Dangler in Ancestry.com], 8. In the 1930 census of Lincoln township, Black Hawk county, Iowa as Esther Dengler, 18.

She was a teacher. She first married a Bunte. Later she married Ralph Brown on 29 May 1934 and had two children. She died on 22 March 1978 in Hudson, Black Hawk county, Iowa.

In the 1920 census of Clark township, Tama county as Frances Dengler [Dangler in Ancestry.com], 6. In the 1930 census of Lincoln township, Black Hawk county, Iowa as Frances Dengler, 16.

She married Frank Anderson and had one child.

She was born on 23 September 1915 in Tama county. In the 1920 census of Clark township, Tama county as Evelyn Dengler [Dangler in Ancestry.com], Evelyn, 4 4/12. In the 1930 census of Lincoln township, Black Hawk county, Iowa as Evelyn Dengler, 14.

She graduated from Hudson High School in 1931. She married Gordon J. Loonan on 16 September 1938 in Marshalltown. They had two sons, Kent and Greg. Gordon died on 13 December 1967. Evelyn then married Clarence M. Peterson on 31 July 1971 in Hudson, Iowa. Clarence died on 4 January 2003. Evelyn died on 25 April 2004 in Reinbeck, Iowa.

She worked in Colorado, Wyoming, Arizona and in Iowa at the Dahl-Van Hove-Schoof Funeral Home, West Side Maid Rite, Blue Goose Cafe, St. Francis Cafeteria and retired from Hawkeye Community College in 1981.

Known as both Howard and Louis. He was born on 23 August 1917. In the 1920 census of Clark township, Tama county as Howard Dengler [Dangler in Ancestry.com], 2 3/12. In the 1930 census of Lincoln township, Black Hawk county, Iowa as Howard Dengler, 12.

He was a foreman at the corrogated box factory in Waterloo, Iowa. He may have married Verna Mae Foss [some problems with this].

Mr. Dengler married Mrs. Ruth Wehrhan, of Traer, in February, 1941. This was her second marriage. They farmed several years, until Louie's retirement on account of failing health. They lived in Traer for a time, but later bought a home at Hudson and returned there.

Also as Louis. I have newspaper references in the 1940's to a Mrs. Louis Dengler, who lived northeast of Traer. In one her daughter, Florence Wehrhan, was to be married. In another her son, Kenneth Wehrhan, a prisoner of war in Germany, was awarded an air medal. He was a radio-gunner on a B-17 originally lost over France on 5 January 1944.

Howard died on 27 December 1984 in Cedar Falls, Black Hawk county, Iowa. Surviving were Mrs. Wehrhan and four step-children. His children were,
(27) Judith Dengler (1943)
(27) James Howard Dengler (1945)
(27) Unknown Daughter (1950)
(27) Thomas Dengler

In the Waterloo Daily Courier of 11 January 1948 it was noted that "Judy Dengler, 5 1/2 year old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Howard Dengler, Rainbow drive, is one of the first candidates for the role of model in the first citywide Spring Style Show on Feb. 26 in the Paramount theater." There are a number of such articles in this period for modeling and theatricals.

A son was born to Mr. and Mrs. Howard Dengler, Route 4, Waterloo, Iowa at Allen Memorial hospital on 23 June 1945. James got thrown into some of the modeling and recital gigs, like his sister, above.

The Waterloo Daily Courier announced the birth of a daughter to Mr. and Mrs. Howard Dengler, 800 Rainbow, on 26 July 1950.

He was born on 5 March 1920. In the 1930 census of Lincoln township, Black Hawk county, Iowa as Willis Dengler, 10.

He married Joyce Miller. He worked for Northwestern Bell for 31 years. He served in World War II. He died on 15 September 1994 in Denver, Bremer county, Iowa. His children were,
(27) Terry Dengler. In the Greene Recorder of 9 May 1957, Terry was listed as the ring bearer in the marriage of her uncle, Robert Miller, of Waverly.
(27) Richard Dengler

In the 1930 census of Lincoln township, Black Hawk county, Iowa as Percy Dengler, 7. He married Gwendolyn A. Volker. Living at 3129 Loma street, Cedar Falls, Iowa. There is a Percy Dengler, aged 37, who was named to head the "Sheeted Press Sales for MAN Roland Group" in 2002, but he appears both too young and too much a German native to be our Percy.

In the 1930 census of Lincoln township, Black Hawk county, Iowa as Madeline Dengler, 4. In the Waterloo Daily Courier of 10 September 1946 she was an honoree at the rush party of the Xi chapter of the Beta Sigma Phi sorority. She pledged in October. It is not clear what college she was attending. She married George A. Dewey, 29, in Mary 1947. Her brother, Percy L. Dengler, was the best man.

She was born on 2 November 1885. In the state census of 1895 of Clark township, Tama county, Iowa as Emma Dengler, 9. In the 1900 census of Clark township, Tama county as Emma Dengler [Dangler in Ancestry.com], 14 [November 1885].

She married Henry O. Schreck in November 1906 and had five children. She died on 5 December 1923 and was buried in the Dysart cemetary.

He was born on 10 June 1888 and died before 1895.

He was born on 4 June 1889. In the state census of 1895 of Clark township, Tama county, Iowa as Emil Dengler, 6. In the 1900 census of Clark township, Tama county as Emil Dengler [Dangler in Ancestry.com], 10 [June 1889].

In the 1910 census of Clark township, Tama county as Emil Dengler, a 21 year old laborer. He was living with his sister, Emma, and her husband, Henry O. Schreck.

In the 1920 census of Dubuque, Iowa as Emil Dengler, a 30 year old woodworker in a factory. Living with him were his wife, Agnes, 31, and son, Edward, 6, and step-son, Ralph Neubauer, 5. This might be a bad reference. This census shows Emil's parents as coming from Switzerland and the 1930 census shows Emil was single.

He also resided in Hudson, Iowa. In the 1930 census of Lincoln township, Black Hawk county, Iowa as Emil Dengler, a 40 year old unmarried farmer. A laborer, Elmer Schick, lived there as well. His farm was next to his big brother, Louis. Note that Louis had left Clark township for South Dakota in 1920, but then moved back to Black Hawk county, Iowa. Did Emil do the same thing? Emil died on 19 February 1955.

He was born on 11 November 1891. In the state census of 1895 of Clark township, Tama county, Iowa as Ernest Dengler, 3. In the 1900 census of Clark township, Tama county as Earnest Dengler [Dangler in Ancestry.com], 8 [November 1891]. In the 1910 census of Clark township, Tama county as Earnest Dengler, 18.

He was a farmer and saw military service in World War I in France. In an Iowa City newspaper article of 17 December 1918, "Ernest Dengler, Traer" was listed as a Private who had been wounded in the war.

He married Lillian Jansen on 10 September 1919. In the 1920 census of Clark township, Tama county, Iowa as Ernest Dengler, a 29 year old farmer. Living with him was his wife, Lillian, 29. His farm was next to that of his big brother, Louis.

In the 1930 census of Clark township as Ernest Dengler [Dangler in Ancestry.com], a 38 year old farmer. Living with him were his wife, Lillian, 29, and children, Ethel, 9, and Vernon, 7. Living nearby were his brothers, Otto and Harry.

He died on 6 June 1978 in Dysart, Tama county, Iowa. His children were,
(26) Ethel Anna Dengler (1921)
(26) Vernon E. Dengler (1923)

In the 1930 census of Clark township as Ethel Dengler [Dangler in Ancestry.com], 9. She married Donald Peterson.

In the 1930 census of Clark township as Vernon Dengler [Dangler in Ancestry.com], 7. He married Mildred Wilken on 16 February 1947. She was the daughter of Henry Wilken of Gladbrook. They had two children. One, a daughter, was born in September 1950. Note there is another Vernon, middle name Louis, who lived in Davenport. He is not related to this family, as far as I know.

He was born on 21 January 1893. In the state census of 1895 of Clark township, Tama county, Iowa as Henry Dengler, 2. In the 1900 census of Clark township, Tama county as Henry Dengler [Dangler in Ancestry.com], 7 [January 1893]. In the 1910 census of Clark township, Tama county as Henry Dengler, 17.

He was a farmer. He married Elsie Anna Marie Prigge. She was the adopted daughter of John and Christina Prigge. She had been born on 8 July 1894 and then placed in the Annie Whitmire orphanage of Davenport, Iowa by parents unknown. The Prigge's had come from Schleswig-Holstein in 1880/1 and settled in the Trauer area. In the 1920 census of Clark township, Tama county, Iowa as Henry Dengler, a 27 year old farmer. Living with him were his wife, Elsie, 26, and children, Helen, 3 9/12, Marvin, 2 2/12, and Irene, 11/12.

In the 1930 census of Clark township as Henry Dengler, a 37 year old farmer. Living with him were his wife, Elsie, 35, and children, Helen, 18, Marvin, 12, and Irene, 10.

Henry died on 6 December 1972 in Traer, Iowa. His children were,
(26) Helen Dorraine Dengler (1916)
(26) Marvin Henry Dengler (1917)
(26) Irene Dengler (1919)

She was born on 23 April 1916. In the 1920 census of Clark township, Tama county, Iowa as Helen Dengler, 3. In the 1930 census of Clark township as Helen Dengler, 18.

She married Eugene Cavanaugh 23 January 1936. They had two children. She died on November 1976 in Reinbeck, Iowa.

He was born on 30 April 1917. In the 1920 census of Clark township, Tama county, Iowa as Marvin Dengler, 2 2/12. In the 1930 census of Clark township as Marvin Dengler, 12.

He married Helen Holst and had one child. He was divorced sometime after 1940. He farmed west of Dysart. He died on 12 July 1980 in Traer, Iowa. He had one son,
(27) Robert Marvin Dengler (1941)

He was born on 20 February 1941 in Tama, Iowa. He married a Peterson. He died on 27 December 1992 in Holiday Lake, Brooklyn, Iowa.

In the 1920 census of Clark township, Tama county, Iowa as Irene Dengler, 11/12. In the 1930 census of Clark township as Irene Dengler, 10.

She was born on 19 February 1896 and died on 15 March 1896.

He was born on 25 April 1897. In the 1900 census of Clark township, Tama county as Otto Dengler [Dangler in Ancestry.com], 3 [April 1897]. In the 1910 census of Clark township, Tama county as Otto Dengler, 13.

He married Anna Schneberg on 17 December 1919. She was born on 4 May 1897. In the 1920 census of Clark township, Tama county as Otto Dengler, a 22 year old farmer. Living with him was his wife, Anna, 23. His farm was near that of his brothers, Louis and Ernest.

In the 1930 census of Clark township as Otto Dengler, a 32 year old farmer. Living with him were his wife, Anna, 33, and children, Blanche, 9, and Leona, 8. Living nearby were his brothers, Ernest and Harry.

He died on 5 February 1965 in Traer, Iowa. His children were,
(26) Blanche Dengler (1921)
(26) Leona Dengler (1922)

In the 1930 census of Clark township as Blanche Dengler, 9. She married Robert Wehrhan.

In the 1930 census of Clark township as Leona Dengler, 8. She married LuVerne Plogmann.

She was born on 26 July 1899 in Tama county, Iowa. In the 1900 census of Clark township, Tama county as Laura Dengler [Dangler in Ancestry.com], 10/12 [July 1899]. In the 1910 census of Clark township, Tama county as Laura Dengler, 11.

She first married Lloyd Lapham on 29 October 1919. They had one child. They divorced and she then married Edward Snider on 26 June 1930. They had two children. She died on 10 January 1968 in the Schoitz Memorial Hospital, Waterloo, Iowa.

He was born on 10 December 1901. In the 1910 census of Clark township, Tama county as Harry Dengler, 8. In the 1920 census of . . .

He farmed west of Dysart. Kathy Dengler Stevens, Harry's grand-daughtter, tells me that Harry first married Alma [Elma] Jansen on 22 August 1923 at the 1st Lutheran church in Waterloo, Iowa. She was born on 10 July 1902. Alma died in 1939, when her son, Marlyn, was 14 years old. Harry remained unmarried for some time until he met and married Ella Wieck in the mid-1950's.

In the 1930 census of Clark township as Harry Dengler, a 28 year old farmer. Living with him were his wife, Alma, 27, and son, Marlyn, 4. Living nearby were his brothers, Ernest and Otto.

He died on 24 September 1970 in Dysart, Iowa.

Pronounced "Marlin," he was born on 15 May 1925 in Dysart, Iowa. A farmer. He married Dorothy Bohnstengel. Kathleen Dengler Stevens is Marlyn's daughter. The Waterloo Daily Courier of 5 December 1946 announced the birth of a daughter to Mr. And Mrs. Marlyn Dengler, of Dysart, Iowa. He died on 30 August 1996 in Deep River, Minnesota. He was buried in Dysart. Marylyn's children included,
(27) Kathleen Dengler Stevens. She has a son, Kirk (1971), living in Johnston, Iowa.
(27) Ronald Dengler (1948) of Clutier, Iowa. He has one child, Rodney, of Dysart, Iowas.
(27) Darlys Dengler (1951) of Orlando, Florida. She has two children, Robert of Chicago and Michelle of Orlando, Florida.

He was born on 4 March 1904 and died on 6 June 1908.

She was born on 15 May 1906. In the 1910 census of Clark township, Tama county as Elsie Dengler, 4. She died on 14 March 1914 and was buried in Dysart.

She was born on 5 March 1865 in Walcott, Scott county, Iowa. In the 1870 census of Sheridan township, Scott county, Iowa as Eliza Dengler, 5. In the 1880 census of Hickory Grove township, Scott county, Iowa as Eliza Dengler, 15. There was no indication that she was still going to school. She married a Cole [sic]. This was probably the Elsie Dengler - Carl Friedreich Kohl wedding of 13 December 1887 witnessed by Andreas Dengler. She lived in Rock Rapids, Iowa. She died on 25 July 1954.

He was born in December 1866. In the 1870 census of Sheridan township, Scott county, Iowas as Charles Dengler, 3. In the 1880 census of Hickory Grove township, Scott county, Iowa as Charles Dengler, 13, working on his parent's farm. He farmed north of Tama and later resided in Davenport, Iowa.

He married Agnes Meir on 16 January 1894. She was born in 1873 in Germany and emigrated to America in 1888. In the state census of 1895 for Perry township, Tama county, Iowa as Charles Dengler, 28. Living with him was his wife, Agnes.

In the 1900 census of Clark township, Tama county, Iowa as Charles Dengler, a 33 year old [December 1866] farmer. Living with him were his wife, Agnes, 26 [September 1873], and son, Arthur, 9/12 [August 1899]. Charles' brother, Adolph, lived nearby.

In the 1910 census of Clark township as Charles Dengler, a 44 year old farmer. Living with him were his wife, Agnes, 36, and children, Otto [sic], 10, and Helga, 5. He was living nearby his brothers, Louis and Adolph.

In the 1920 census . . .

In the 1930 census of Davenport, Iowa as Charles Dengler, a 63 year old with no occupation. He was residing with his nephew, John A. Dengler. He was divorced. His ex-wife was in the 1930 census for Blue Grass township, Scott county Iowa as Agnes Dengler, a 55 year old farmer. Living with her were her children, Arthur, a 30 year old laborer, and Helga, 25. His children were,
(25) Arthur Dengler (1899)
(25) Helga Dengler (1905)

He was born in August 1899. In the 1900 census of Clark township, Tama county, Iowa as Arthur Dengler, 9/12 [August 1899]. In the 1910 census of Clark township as Otto [sic] Dengler, 10.

In the 1920 census of Rock township, Sioux county, Iowa as Arthur Dengler, a 20 year old hired man on the dairy farm of Howard Corwin. He was noted to be a "tester." The "Iowa City Press Citizen" of 5 October 1922,

In "Notes From Iowa Testing Association"
"Wagner, Monona -- This month the skim milk from one separator tested .60 and was leaving two and a half pounds of butterfat in the skim milk, about a dollar a day. The skim milk from another separator was testing .80, at this rate it was losing the owner about fifteen dollars a month. Both of the separators were fixed at once.
[signed] Arthur Dengler, Tester.

(Note) Being a member of the Cow Testing Association costs the members mentioned about $30 a year apiece. By finding out what their separators were losing them, they will save many times what the association is costing them, besides all the other benefits of being a member. A pretty good investment, don't you think?"

She was born on 10 January 1905. In the 1910 census of Clark township as Helga Dengler, 5. In the 1920 census . . . In the 1930 census for Blue Grass township, Scott county Iowa as Helga Dengler, 25. She was living with her divorced mom and brother, Arthur. She died in September 1980 in Davenport, Iowa. She apparently never married.

My G-Grandfather on the Dengler side. Also known as Ernst. He was born in September 1868. In the 1870 census of Sheridan township, Scott county, Iowa as Ernst Dengler, 1. In the 1880 census of Hickory Grove township, Scott county, Iowa as Earnest Dengler, 11, at school.

Ernest married Emma Rochan (Joens) on 16 February 1892 - from the "Index to Original Marriage Certificates, Quad-Cities Memory Project." Emma was born on 28 April 1863, the daughter of Frederick August Rochan.

In the state census of 1895 of Sheridan township as Ernst Dengler, 26. Living with him was his wife, Emma, 31, and the five Joens children.

In the 1900 census of Sheridan township, Scott county, Iowa as Ernest Dengler, a 31 year old [September 1868] farmer. Living with him were his wife, Emma, 37 [April 1863], and children, Charles, 5 [January 1895], Edna, 3 [May 1897], and Walter, 1 [December 1899]. Also living with him were his step-children, Harilda [Hulda?], 16, Arthur, 14, Thomas, 12, and Alma Joens, 9. Albert Joens was living on his own in the Davenport township at the time, a farm laborer. Ernest and Emma had been married for 8 years. Emma had 9 children, 8 of whom were living.

A resident in Sheridan township from at least 1905 to 1919. Ernest's name was listed on Section 32 in the 1905 Platt map and Sections 29 and 32 of the map of 1919.

In the 1910 census of Sheridan township as Ernst Dengler [Sengler in Ancestry.com], a 41 year old farmer. Living with him were his wife, Emma, 46, step-children, Thomas H. Joens, 22, and Alma A. Joens, 19, and children, Charles, 15, Edna, 12, Walter A., 10, Fred A., 8, Alice A., 6, and Earl R., 1 4/12. Interestingly, the census now indicates that Emma had 11 children, all of whom were living.

In 1915 and 1916 Ernst Dengler was praised for his herd of 15 Guernsey cows.

"Mr. Dengler's herd easily leads the list in butter-fat, as six of his cows exceeded 400 pounds [in the year], while seven others exceeded 300 pounds and only two fell below this latter mark. His highest producing cow gave 495.6 pounds of butter-fat." - from the "Dairy Farmer" Volume 14

"Guernsey enthusiasts may take pardonable pride in this cup since it not only has been won most consistently by grade Guersney men, but promises to be won permanently by that noted Guernsey man, Ernst Dengler, of Scott county, Iowa, who for the second time has his name engraved on this cup, his herd having the largest production for the year ending September 1918."

In the 1920 census of Sheridan township, Scott county, Iowa as Ernest Dengler, a 51 year old farmer. Living with him were his wife, Emma, 55, and children, Walter A., 20, Frederick A., 17, Alice, 15, and Earl R., 11.

On 9 February 1921 Ernst Dengler of Davenport, Iowa conducted a disperal sale of his dairy herd, selling 13 pure-bred Guernsey cows for $3290 and another 22 "grade" Guernseys for $3637. Three of the pure-breds were bought by Ernst's sons, Charles and Walter. - from the "Gurnsey Breeders' Journal."

In the 1930 census of Davenport, Scott county Iowa as Ernst Dengler, 61, retired. Living with him was his wife, Emma, 66. The children had all moved out by this time.

The story I heard from my mother was that Ernest became wealthy, buying up bankrupt farms during the Depression. I don't really know if this was true.

Emma died on 16 November 1935.

In the 1940 census of Ward 3, Davenport, Scott county, Iowa as Ernst Dengler, a 71 year old widower. Living with him was Ida Thiering, a 54 year old housekeeper.

Ernest died in 1959. He was buried in the Pine Hill cemetary in Davenport, next to Emma.

from "The Daily Times" of 28 November 1959

His children were,
(25) Charles Dengler (1895)
(25) Edna Amelia Dengler (1897)
(25) Walter A. Dengler (1899)
(25) Frederick A. Dengler (1902)
(25) Alice Dengler (1904)
(25) Earl R. Dengler (1908)

He was born on 9 January 1895. In the 1900 census of Sheridan township, Scott county, Iowa as Charles Dengler, 5. In the 1910 census of Sheridan township as Charles Dengler [Sengler in Ancestry.com], 15.

In the 1920 census of Rockingham, Scott county, Iowa as Charles Dengler, a 25 year old manager of a stock farm. He was single.

He married Lillian E. Lage on 3 March 1921. I believe she was born on 25 March 1898. In the 1930 census of Sheridan township as Charles Dengler, a 35 year old farmer. Living with him were his wife, Lillian E., 32, and children, Henrietta B., 8, Warren C., 5, and Mildred L., 2 8/12.

Charles E. Dengler, a "Davenport farm operator," was the Progessive party's candidate for the First Congressional district in 1948 - from several articles in the Waterloo Daily Courier of 1948. The Progressive was Henry Wallace's party. A spokesman said, "Our party is the true expression of American liberalism. We are not inspired by Marx nor in cahoots with Stalin. We stand for peace on earth and good will toward men." This was a four-way race between the Republicans, Democrats, Progressives and Socialists. The Republican candidate won.

Charles died in October 1977 in Davenport. Lillian died in May 1980. His children were,
(26) Henrietta B. Dengler (1922)
(26) Warren C. Dengler (1925)
(26) Mildred L. Dengler (1927)

In the 1930 census of Sheridan township as Henrietta B. Dengler, 8. She married Daniel H. Moore, of Bettendorf, in 1942 in Long Grove, Iowa. He was the son of Daniel J. and Emma Wilson Moore. They farmed the Pleasant Valley area for over 60 years. Daniel died on 13 March 2004 in Bettendorf, Iowa.

He was born on 24 February 1925. In the 1930 census of Sheridan township as Warren C. Dengler, 5. He died on 9 February 2001 in Durant, Cedar county, Iowa.

In the 1930 census of Sheridan township as Mildred L. Dengler, 2 8/12.

My maternal Grandmother. She was born on 9 May 1897 in Iowa. In the 1900 census of Sheridan township, Scott county, Iowa as Edna Dengler, 3. In the 1910 census of Sheridan township as Edna Dengler [Sengler in Ancestry.com], 12.

She married Elmer V. Offerman in about 1916. He was born on 5 April 1891 in Iowa.

"Dengler-Offermann Wedding

The marriage of Miss Edna A. Dengler, daughter of Ernst Dengler, a well known retired farmer of Scott county residing on rural route 7, and Elmer Offermann, a prosperous young farmer of near Eldridge, took place as a quiet ceremony of high noon today at the office of Justice of the Peace Phil Daum in this city. The justice officiated. Mr. and Mrs. Dengler, parents of the bride, were the attending witnesses. The bridal couple will reside on the groom's farm near Eldridge." - from the "Quad-City Times" of Davenport, Iowa

In the 1920 census of Lincoln township, Scott county, Iowa as Edna Offermann, 22. Note the early spelling. She was living with her husband, Elmer, 28, and children, Evelyn, 4 1/12, Robert, 2 11/12, and Marie, 1/12.

In the 1930 census of Davenport, Iowa as Edna A. Offerman, 32. She was living on South Elmwood avenue with her were her husband, Elmer V. Offerman, 38, and children, Evelyn F., 14, Robert H., 12, Marie F., 10, Lillie M., 6, and Geanne [sic] K., 5.

One of my favorite stories about her was that, as a young girl, she pricked her finger on the thorn of a rose, and then lost the top half of that finger to gangrene. There is some allegory there to the story of her marriage, which I am told was not altogether happy.

I remember my grandmother well, she's the woman in the dark print dress in the photo to the left. She was a tall, well-built woman, who towered somewhat over her smaller husband. She had a commanding presence that came partly from her height and up-right bearing, but also from a personal confidence. She was also keenly intelligent, but was hobbled by her marriage and by a conservative society. When her interests swerved into numerology it frightened her adult children, but I think it represented only her boundless interest in all things and perhaps a frustration at earlier constraints. Needless to say, I was both proud and fond of her, and stood a little taller when in her presence. She died while I was home on leave from the Navy, and, while saddened by this, I was cheered to know that she had been very happy living with my mother during her last years. Below is a photograph of Edna and husband Elmer in later life.

Elmer died in May 1968 in Davenport, Scott county, Iowa. Edna died in December 1978 while living with her daughter, Jeanne, in Tempe, Arizona. For Edna's children and more about their life see (25) Elmer Victor Offerman (1891).

He was born on 21 December 1899. In the 1900 census of Sheridan township, Scott county, Iowa as Walter Dengler, 1. In the 1910 census of Sheridan township as Walter A. Dengler [Sengler in Ancestry.com], 10. In the 1920 census of Sheridan township, Scott county, Iowa as Walter A. Dengler, a 20 year old laborer, living at home with his parents, Ernest and Emma.

Walter A. Dengler married Maria Anna (Mary) Keppy on 1 March 1921 - Index to Original Marriage Certificates, Quad-Cities Memory Project.

In the 1925 state census of Sheridan as Walter A. Dengler, the son of Ernest Dengler and Emma Rochan. Living with him were his wife, Maria A., 24, and children, Henry O., 2, and Dorothy, 7.

In the 1930 census of Sheridan township as Walter A. Dengler, a 30 year old farmer. Living with him were his wife, Maria A., 30, and children, Henry O., 8, Dortha M., 6, and Walter A. Jr., 4 3/12. A Harry Stoltenberg, 18, was living with them as a lodger. I assume he was a cousin.

In the 1940 census of Sheridan, Scott county, Iowa as Walter A. Dengler, a 40 year old farmer. Living with him were his wife, Maria A., 40, and children, Henry O., 18, Dorothy, 16, and Walter A. Jr., 14.

Walter died in May 1971 in Davenport. His children were,
(26) Henry Otto Dengler (1922)
(26) Dortha May Dengler (1924)
(26) Walter Andrew Dengler Jr. (1926)

Henry Otto Dengler, the son of Walter A. Dengler and Mary Keppy, was born on 12 March 1922 in Sheridan township, Scott county, Iowa. In the 1930 census of Sheridan township as Henry O. [I.?] Dengler, 8. In the 1940 census of Sheridan, Scott county, Iowa as Henry O. Dengler, 18, living at home with his parents, Walter A. and Maria A. Dengler.

Henry O. Dengler married Helen D. Schaefer on 20 November 1946. She was born on 21 September 1921, in Davenport, to Emil and Mae Schaefer.

In the 1949 through 1953 city directory's of Davenport, Iowa as "Dengler Henry O (Helen D) farmer h3438 E 32d rd [nw cor Utica Ridge rd]." Henry died on 2 August 1953. In the the 1954 through 1960 city directory's of Davenport, Iowa as "Dengler Helen D (wid Henry O) bkpr Farmers Mutual Ins Assn h2102 N. Division."

Helen died on 20 February 2006. Her obituary,

"Helen D. Dengler, 84, of Davenport, died Monday, Feb. 20, 2006, at Genesis, West Campus, Davenport. Memorial services are 2 p.m. Saturday at St. Paul Lutheran, Davenport. Interment is in Pine Hill Cemetery, Davenport. Arrangements are by Weerts, Davenport. She was born Sept. 21, 1921, in Davenport to Emil and Mae Schaefer. She married Henry O. Dengler Nov. 20, 1946. He died Aug. 2, 1953. Surviving are sons, Robert Dengler, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, David Dengler, Rock Falls; seven grandchildren; three stepgrandchildren; four great-grandchildren; five stepgreat-grandchildren.

Dorothy May Dengler, the daughter of Walter A. Dengler and Mary Keppy, was born on 29 October 1923. In the 1930 census of Sheridan township as Dortha M. Dengler, 6.

Walter Andrew Dengler, the son of Walter A. Dengler and Mary A. Keppy, was born on 5 February 1926 in Sheridan township, Scott county, Iowa. In the 1930 census of Sheridan township as Walter A. Dengler Jr., 4 3/12. In 1998 he won a corn yield contest in the AA No-Till Non-Irrigated class. He currently lives in Eldridge, Iowa.

He was born on 6 February 1902 in Scott county, Iowa. In the 1910 census of Sheridan township as Fred A. Dengler [Sengler in Ancestry.com], 8. In the 1920 census of Sheridan township, Scott county, Iowa as Frederick A. Dengler, 17.

He married Carrie Rittgarn. I haven't been able to find him in the 1930 census.

He died on 5 February 1999 in Lakewood Living Center, Plainview, Illinois and was buried in the Pine Hill cemetary.

She was born on 11 April 1904. In the 1910 census of Sheridan township as Alice A. Dengler [Sengler in Ancestry.com], 6. In the 1920 census of Sheridan township, Scott county, Iowa as Alice Dengler, 15.

She married Herman J. Arp in about 1926. He was born on 7 September 1904. In the 1930 census of Sheridan township, Scott county as Alice Arp, 26. Living with her were her husband, Herman J. Arp, a 25 year old farmer, and children, Loretta, 2 2/12, and Anetta, 3/12. A son, Herman Arp Jr., was born later.

Herman Sr. died in Februry 1983 in Davenport. Alice died in December 1987 in Davenport.

He was born in 1908. In the 1910 census of Sheridan township as Earl R. Dengler [Sengler in Ancestry.com], 1 4/12. In the 1920 census of Sheridan township, Scott county, Iowa as Earl R. Dengler, 11.

I haven't yet found him in the 1930 census, but he died in July 1932. He was buried in the Pine Hill cemetary in Davenport.

He was born on 8 October 1871 in Wolcott, Iowa. In the 1880 census of Hickory Grove township, Scott county, Iowa as William Dengler, 8, at school. In the Iowa census of 1895 as Wilhelm Dengler, 23, living at home with his parents.

He married Cecilia [Cecile] Laackmann, probably in about 1900. She was the daughter of Henry Laackmann, of Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, and Cecile Mathilda Antie Magdalena Bishop. Cecile was born on 17 December 1882.

In the 1900 census . . .

In the 1910 census of Cleveland township, Lyon county, Iowa as William Dengler, a 38 year old farmer. Living with him were his wife, Cecilila, 28, and children, Otto W. [H?], 8 and Cecilia, 6.

Cecilia died on 2 March 1916 and was buried in the Riverview cemetary of Rock Rapids, Iowa.

In the 1920 census of Cleveland township as William Dengler, a 48 year old widowed farmer. Living with him were his children, Otto W., 18, Cecilia H., 16, Viola H., 7, and Minnie M., 5. These were children of Cecilia Laackmann.

Sometime between 1920 and 1930 he married Elsie Albrechte. In the 1930 census of Lester township, Lyon county, Iowa as William Dengler, a 58 year old retired farmer. Living with him was his wife, Elsie, 44. Also living with him was a step-son, William Lauck, 13. Elsie had previously been married to William Lauck, of Larchwood township, Lyon county, Iowa and had four children with him, of whom William Jr. was the youngest.

William Dengler died on 27 September 1951 in Lester, Iowa and was buried next to Cecelia in the Riverview cemetary of Rock Rapids, Iowa. His children were,
(25) Otto W. Dengler (1901)
(25) Cecilia H. Dengler (1904)
(25) Viola Hildegard Dengler (1912)
(25) Minnie M. Dengler (1915)

He was born on 27 July 1901. In the 1910 census of Cleveland township, Lyon county, Iowa as Otto W. Dengler, 8. In the 1920 census of Cleveland township as Otto W. Dengler, 18.

Otto married Laura Berg, of Rock township, Lyon county, Iowa, on 7 December 1922. She was born in about 1902, the daughter of Leonard Berg, of Kiel, Germany, and Meta Margaretha Meyer, of Iowa. Note that Otto's sister, Viola, married Adolph Berg, Laura's younger brother.

In the 1930 census of Rock township, Lyon county as Otto Dengler, a 28 year old farmer. Living with him were his wife, Laura, 27, and children, Alvin, 6, Elmer, 5, and Alfred, 4 5/12.

Otto died on 13 May 1989 and was buried in the Riverview cemetary of Rock Rapids, Iowa. Llaura died in 1965 and was buried next to him. Otto's children were,
(26) Alvin Dengler (1923)
(26) Elmer Dengler (1925)
(26) Alfred Dengler (1926)
(26) Wilfred Dengler (1927)

He was born on 16 July 1923. In the 1930 census of Rock township, Lyon county as Alvin Dengler, 6. He died on 11 September 1994 in Edgerton, Pipestone county, Minnesota. Alvin was buried in the Riverview cemetary of Rock Rapids, Iowa. I don't know if he married.

In the 1930 census of Rock township, Lyon county as Elmer Dengler, 5. He is currently living in George, Iowa.

In the 1930 census of Rock township, Lyon county as Alfred Dengler, 4 5/12.

He was born in 1927. He died in 1929 and was buried in the Riverview cemetary of Rock Rapids, Iowa.

In the 1910 census of Cleveland township, Lyon county, Iowa as Cecilia Dengler, 6. In the 1920 census of Cleveland township as Cecilia H. Dengler, 16. She married Harry Wacher [Wacker?]. In the 1930 census of Cleveland township as Cecilia Wacher, 26. Living with her were her husband, Harry, a 30 year old farmer, her son, Vernon, 3 6/12, and her sister, Minnie Dengler, 15.

She was born on 7 March 1912 in Sioux City, Iowa. In the 1920 census of Cleveland township, Lyon county, Iowa as Viola H. Dengler, 7. Not living with her father in 1930. In the 1930 census of Doon township, Lyon county as Viola Dengler [Douglas in Ancestry.com], an 18 year old servant in the house of August Stettnicks.

She married Adolph Berg on 1 August 1931 in Rock Rapids, Lyon county, Iowa. He was the son of Leonard Berg, of Kiel, Germany, and Meta Margaretha Meyer, of Iowa. The Berg's farmed near-by Viola's brother, Otto.

She died on (about) 3 February 2003 in Rock Rapids, Iowa.

In the 1920 census of Cleveland township, Lyon county, Iowa as Minnie M. Dengler, 5. In the 1930 census of Cleveland township, Lyon county as Minnie Dengler, 15. She was living with her sister, Cecilia, and her husband, Harry Wacher. She married a Steen.

In the 1880 census of Hickory Grove township, Scott county, Iowa as Amelia Dengler, 6, at school. In the Iowa census of 1895 as Amelia Dengler, 20, living at home with her parents. She married a Peterson or a Henry Peter. She resided in Nebraska.

In the 1880 census of Hickory Grove township, Scott county, Iowa as Berthie Dengler, 4. In the Iowa census of 1895 as Bertha Dengler, 18, living at home with her parents. She married William Siebke [Siepke]. She resided in Lake Park, Iowa. At the time of the 1900 census her father, Andreas, was living with her and her husband. Andreas died soon after.

In the 1880 census of Hickory Grove township, Scott county, Iowa as August Dengler, 1. In the Iowa census of 1895 as August Dengler, 16, living at home with his parents. He died on 21 [the tombstone records of Scott county indicate 01] December 1899 in Scott county, just 21 years old. He was buried in the Pine Hill cemetary.

Steve Hissem
San Diego, California