Notes:

AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF HELMUTH FREDERICK CARL SCHULZ
born 13 June 1878 in Bergholz, Wheatfield Township, Niagara County, New York died 18 April 1971 in Alpena, Alpena County, Michigan resident of Steger, Will County, Illinois, 1898−1899 and 1900−1910 first pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church, Steger
autobiography written August 1948 by Pastor Schulz edited and annotated by his grandson Michael Schulz [1]
Childhood
My grandparents [2] were Mr. and Mrs. Frederick Schulz, [and] Mr. and Mrs. Frederick Goerss, who emigrated from Germany to the United States before 1842, or during 1842, or after 1842 [3], and settled with many others 2 miles east of the Niagara River, founding the Village of Bergholtz [4], in Niagara County, New York. The county seat of Niagara County is Lockport. My parents are Carl Gottfried Schulz and Maria Fredericka Ernestine Goerss, my father born 1 November 1852 at Bergholtz and my mother born 11 April 1852 at Bergholtz, were married on 12 June 1877 at the same village. My mother was called by her last [given] name, Ernestine. My father was a contractor and carpenter [5], while my mother was a music teacher and, for a time, a teacher in St. James Lutheran School at Bergholtz. I was born 13 June 1878 at Bergholtz, in Wheatfield Township, Niagara County, New York, 2 miles east of the Niagara River, and baptized 16 June 1878 in St. James Lutheran Church, Bergholtz, by Pastor J. A. Grabau [of] the Lutheran Synod of Buffalo. About 1882 my parents moved to St. Johnsburg, Niagara County, New York, 1 and 1/2 mile[s] distant from Bergholtz. They sent me to St. James Lutheran School, Bergholtz, until I was 12 years old. At home my mother gave me lessons in music.
In November 1890, my parents moved to the northern section of North Tonawanda, Niagara County, New York. This city is located on the noted Niagara River, between Buffalo, N.Y., and Niagara Falls, N.Y., about 6 miles distant from Bergholtz and 4 miles from St. Johnsburg. At North Tonawanda I attended the Public School, while my mother continued to give me lessons in
music. At the age of 12 years I started to play the organ at church.
When I had attained the age of 13 years I attended Confirmation classes at St. James Lutheran Church, Bergholtz, and was confirmed there 10 April 1892 by Pastor J. A. Grabau. There were 21 children in my class, 10 boys and 11 girls. In 1930 the Lutheran Synod of Buffalo, the Lutheran Synod of Ohio, and the Lutheran Synod of Iowa merged and are now called the American Lutheran Church [6].
My parents were blessed with 7 children: Helmuth Frederick Carl Schulz, born 13 June 1878; Clara Agatha Schulz, born 23 July 1879; Frederick William Schulz, born 11 August 1882. Maria Magdalena Schulz and Charlotte Sophia Schulz, twin sisters born 3 July 1884, who died [young], the latter 5 September 1884 [and] the former 7 September 1884, were buried on the same day in
one grave, either 8 or 9 September 1884 in St. James Lutheran Cemetery, Bergholtz. Paula Hulda Johanna Schulz, born 21 July 1887, who died 23 June 1888, was buried 26 June 1888 in St. James Lutheran Cemetery, Bergholtz. Karl Earnest Schulz, born 15 October 1889, who died 16 October 1889, was buried 18 October 1889 in St. James Lutheran Cemetery, Bergholtz [7].
Youth
In September 1893 my parents joined the Lutheran Synod of Missouri and became members of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, North Tonawanda. In the same year and month I left for Springfield, Ill., where I entered Concordia Theological Seminary, and Holy Ghost Lutheran Church of Bergholtz, of the Lutheran Synod of Missouri, promised to pay my board [8]. Here I studied for 5 years, 1893 to 1897 and 1899 to 1900, while from 1897 to 1898 I was student vicar at Neunert, Jackson Co., Ill., and from [mid-November] 1898 to [June] 1899 at Steger, Ill. [9], where in my presence [on] 1 January 1899, Immanuel Lutheran Church was organized [10] and where, in my presence in May 1899, the first church was dedicated. At Neunert, Ill., and at Steger, Ill., I taught school [11]. I graduated 25 June 1900 from the Seminary [12] and was handed a call from Immanuel congregation, Steger, Ill. As a student I preached my first sermon before the Seminary student body 18 June 1896, but before a congregation about 6 months later at Immanuel Church, Altamont, Ill., either during the last week of 1896 or the first week of 1897, during the Seminary Christmas vacation. When a student, I preached in congregations a good number of times, received collections from some of them and gifts from individual members. As far as I can recall, I preached as a student at Immanuel Church, Altamont, Ill.; at Bethlehem Church, 4 miles southwest of Altamont, Ill.; at
Immanuel Church, Murphysboro, Ill.; at Salem Church, Farrar, Mo., which is close to Altenburg, Mo.; at the Colored Church, Springfield, Ill.; at Immanuel Church, Steger, Ill.; at Trinity Church, Crete, Ill.; at St. Paul’s Church, Chicago Heights, Ill.; at St. Paul’s Church, 2 miles northwest of Beecher, Ill.; at Holy Ghost Church, Bergholtz, N.Y.; at St. John’s Church, St. Johnsburg, N.Y.; at St. Andrew’s Church, 1 mile east of Pekin, Ill.; at Trinity Church, Niagara Falls, N.Y.; at St. Mark’s Church, North Tonawanda, N.Y.; [and] at St. Paul’s Church, Hilton, N.Y. About December 1893 my parents moved to the central section of North Tonawanda, joining St.
Matthew’s Lutheran Church. During my first year at the Seminary my mother died 18 February 1894 at the age of 41 years, 10 months, and 7 days. Funeral services were held 21 February 1894 at St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church, Pastor August Hering officiating, with burial the same day in St. James Lutheran Cemetery, Bergholtz. During my third year at the Seminary my father died 25 January 1896 at the age of 43 years, 2 months and 24 days. Funeral services were held 27 January 1896 at St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church, Pastor August Hering officiating, with burial the same day in Holy Ghost Lutheran Cemetery, Bergholtz. My parents were very strong church members; they reared us children in the fear of the Lord. They were very good to us, but also very strict, and we children can never repay what they have done for us. After our parents’ death[s] sister Clara had her home with uncle and aunt William Goerss [13] of Bergholtz, brother Frederick with uncle and aunt Christian Goerss [14] of North Tonawanda, and I [during summer vacations from the seminary, 1896−99] with uncle and aunt William Ferchen [15] of Bergholtz. The death of my parents was very hard upon me, [and] I had difficulties getting the necessary funds to continue my studies. However, with the help of Holy Ghost Lutheran Church of Bergholtz, which paid my board for 4 years, with collections which I received when preaching as a student, with the help which I received from relatives and many friends, [and] with the money which I saved when active as student vicar, I was in a position to complete my studies at the Seminary.
The Ministry at Steger, Illinois
I was ordained 29 July 1900 and installed as pastor of Immanuel congregation in Steger by Pastor F. E. Brauer of Crete, Ill. In the service the choir of Trinity congregation, Crete, sang a selection. My future helpmeet, a member of the choir, was present in the service. I still have her choir book and make use of its music again and again. I preached my first sermon [as ordained Pastor] the next Sunday, 5 August 1900. In 1902 the congregation bought 4 lots 3 blocks west of the church and built a parsonage in the
same year [16]. On 16 July 1902, I entered the holy estate of matrimony with Miss Ida Maria Sophia Henning of Crete, Ill., daughter of Mr. William Henning and his wife Carolina née Vanter. The marriage service was held at Trinity Church in Crete, and the ceremony [was] performed by Pastor F. E. Brauer. After the service a wedding supper was served at the home of the bride. At Steger 3 children were born to us: Magdalene Cordelia Ida Schulz, born 13 April 1904 [17]; Helmuth Martin Walter Schulz, born 14 June 1906 [18]; and Leona Alvina Martha Schulz, born 23 August 1907 [19]. Steger, Ill., is located in 2 counties, the northern section [north of 34th Street] in Cook County, [and] the southern section in Will County. Our 3 children were born in the southern section of Steger and therefore in Will County. Both church and parsonage are in the same section [of Steger]. The City of Joliet [25 miles WSW of Steger] is the County Seat of Will County. In the autumn of 1907 or 1908 I installed Teacher F. O. Wilcker in St. Paul’s congregation, Chicago Heights, Ill., and Pastor H. G. Sandvoss of Chicago, Ill., in the same congregation. At Steger I conducted a flourishing school for 9 years and 6 months, the enrollment at one time climbing to 65 pupils, when the congregation called a teacher for me, Teacher F. C. Wilker of Norborne, Mo., who was installed by me 15 May 1910. At Steger I played the organ at church for 9 years and 9 months, but when Teacher Wilker had been installed he relieved me of this task [20]. During my pastorate at Steger I preached in sister congregations upon invitation. As far as I can recall, I preached in Trinity congregation, Oak Glen, Ill.; in St. Paul’s congregation, Chicago Heights, Ill.; in Zion congregation, Matteson, Ill.; in Immanuel congregation, 2 miles southwest of Matteson, Ill.; in Trinity congregation, Crete, Ill.; in St. Paul’s congregation, 6 miles northeast of Grant Park, Ill.; in St. John’s congregation, 5 miles north of Cissna Park, Ill.; in St. Paul’s congregation, Woodworth, Ill.; [and] in Trinity congregation, 4 miles northeast of Dwight, Ill. In November 1910 I received a call from Zion congregation of Ashland, Wis., and (upon a peaceful release) accepted the call, preaching my farewell sermon [in Steger on] 20 November 1910 [21].
The Ministry at Ashland, Wisconsin
I was installed 11 December 1910 as pastor of Zion congregation of Ashland, Wisconsin, by Pastor E. C. Georgii of Glidden, Wis., preaching my first sermon 18 December 1910. In addition to Zion congregation of Ashland [22], I had charge of St. John’s congregation of Washburn, Wis., across Ashland Bay, and of the preaching station at Bayfield, Wis., north of Washburn. In the summer of 1911 I started a preaching station at Cornucopia, Wis., on the south shore of Lake Superior [23]. At the 2 hospitals in the City of Ashland I took care [also] of many Lutheran patients who were brought there by members of sister congregations, giving them the Message of the Cross. Great was the number of calls I made there, and great was the blessing the Lord conferred upon my
work. Student William Jiede of Chicago, Ill., and student Walter Klaus of Chicago, Ill., were my vicars, the former until 31 May 1911 and the latter until 31 May 1912, each student for 1 school year, each student teaching school in Zion congregation of Ashland and helping me out with preaching in the parish. Both were students of Concordia Seminary in Springfield, Ill. From September 1912 to May 1914, I took care of the school in person. The school was a success throughout, though the number of pupils was small. In the summer of 1912 a separate parish was formed [consisting] of Washburn, Bayfield, and Cornucopia; Rev. R. Krenke [was] called as pastor and installed by me, while I kept Zion congregation in Ashland. In the summer of 1912 Candidate F. G. Cassens and Miss Amanda Giess were married by me at Zion Church in Ashland. In the summer of 1915 Candidate Walter Klaus and Miss Clara Jehnlich were married by me at Zion Church in Ashland. In the summer of 1912 I ordained and installed Candidate F. G. Cassens as pastor in Trinity congregation of Bergland, Mich.; the village is located in the western section of the Upper Peninsula. In the summer of the same year I ordained and installed Candidate E. W. Feldscher as pastor in Immanuel congregation of Mellen, Wis. In the summer of 1914 Zion Congregation of Ashland observed its 30th anniversary, [with] Pastor R. Krenke preaching the sermon. During my pastorate at Ashland I preached in sister congregations upon invitation. As far as I can recall, I preached in Trinity congregation, Bergland, Mich.; in St. Paul’s congregation, Hurley, Wis.; in St. John’s congregation, Washburn, Wis.; in Immanuel congregation, Mellen, Wis.; in Trinity congregation, Glidden, Wis.; in St. Paul’s congregation, Butternut, Wis.; in Zion congregation, Kennan, Wis.; in Zion congregation, Colby, Wis.; in Trinity congregation, Phipps, Wis.; in Immanuel congregation, Superior, Wis.; [and] in St. Stephen’s congregation, Duluth,Minn. Due to a nervous breakdown I resigned from Zion congregation of Ashland in July 1914, preaching my farewell sermon in September 1914 and moving to Sheboygan, Wis., to recuperate.
The Ministry at Deerfield, Michigan
During my convalescence at Sheboygan, Wisconsin, I preached in the congregations of the city, in Trinity congregation, in Immanuel congregation, and in St. Paul’s congregation. In Trinity congregation I assisted with the distribution of the Holy Communion and (for a while) taught school to help out a sick teacher. Short was my convalescence at Sheboygan, for after about 6 months I received a call from Zion congregation, Deerfield Township, Lenawee County, Michigan. The church was located 5 miles northwest of Deerfield Village [24]. I was installed 18 April 1915 by Pastor Thomas Schoech, my predecessor, preaching my first sermon 25 April 1915. I reopened the school, which had been closed for years. The school was a great success, and the attendance was general [25]. During my pastorate the congregation observed its 25th anniversary. Adelbert Daniel Waldemar Schulz was born to us 27 September 1916. He died 26 February 1918 at the age of but 1 year, 4 months, and 29 days. Funeral services were held 1 March 1918, [with] Pastor O. Luebke of Petersburg, Mich., preaching the German sermon and Pastor F. Schwede of Britton, Mich., preaching the English sermon. Both pastors preached on the same text, Isaiah 40:11. Interment took place in the Lutheran Cemetery, 1 mile west of the [Deerfield
Township] church [26]. On 20 August 1918, we received Glenn Robert Schulz from the Lutheran Children’s Friend Society of Fort Wayne, Indiana. He was born 9 April 1918 in Columbus, Ohio [27]. As [with] our other children, so we have reared him in the fear of the Lord and have rendered to him the same parental love and care. On 7 January 1937 we adopted him legally in the Probate Court of Charlevoix County, Michigan [28]. It was on 20 December 1919 when [Ida’s] mother Carolina Henning, née Fanter (born 11 August
1837 in Germany), died in Crete, Ill., at the age of 82 years, 4 months, and 9 days. Burial was made 24 December 1919 at Trinity Lutheran Cemetery in Crete [29]. During my pastorate in Deerfield Township I preached in sister congregations upon invitation.
As far as I can recall, I preached in Trinity congregation, Wyandotte, Mich.; in St. John’s congregation, 8 miles southeast of Inkster, Mich.; in Trinity congregation, Monroe, Mich.; in Immanuel congregation, Toledo, O.; in St. Paul’s congregation, New Boston, Mich.; in Immanuel congregation, 4 miles north of Britton, Mich.; in Immanuel congregation, 2 miles southeast of Ida, Mich.; in St. Peter’s congregation, Petersburg, Mich.; [and] in St. John’s congregation, Adrian, Mich. In November 1920, I received a call from St. Paul’s congregation of Herron, Michigan. Upon a peaceful release I accepted the call, preaching my farewell sermon [in Deerfield Township on] 5 December 1920.
The Ministry at Herron, Michigan
I was installed 12 December 1920 in St. Paul’s congregation of Herron, Michigan, by Pastor F. W. Hermann of Alpena, Michigan. The church is located 5 miles south of Herron in Wilson Township, Alpena County. I preached my first sermon [there on] 19 December 1920 [30]. From time to time I conducted divine service in private homes south of Spratt, about 8 miles west of the Herron Church. The Holy Supper also was administered. I had 3 families there under my pastoral care. As in my former congregations, so in the Herron congregation, I took charge of the school. The number of pupils was small, as many children had to cover a great distance to our school. Nevertheless, the school at my time never closed its doors, as there were always children who would attend. The large majority of the pupils were children who took Confirmation lessons. Most of them would attend school for 1 year, some of them for 2 years. At the close of school, some Sunday in summer, the congregation held a school picnic. This picnic was held each year,
and it drew large crowds. In the year 1925, the 17th of August, in the evening hours, the congregation observed my 25th Anniversary in the ministry. Pastor W. Heine, a fellow student of mine [at Concordia Seminary, Springfield], preached the sermon. I received gifts from both the congregation and the Alpena Pastoral Conference; written congratulations from Immanuel congregation of Steger, Ill., [from] Zion congregation of Ashland, Wis., [from] Zion Congregation of Deerfield Township, Lenawee Co., Mich.; and written congratulations from Pastor P. Budach of Bay City, Mich., and Pastor W. Weinlaender of Sanborn Township, Alpena Co., Mich. During my pastorate at Herron I preached in sister congregations upon invitation. As far as I can recall, I preached in St. John’s congregation, Rogers City, Mich.; in St. Michael’s congregation, Belknap Township, Presque Isle Co., Mich.; in Immanuel congregation, Moltke Township, Presque Isle Co., Mich.; in St. Paul’s congregation, 4 miles southeast of Posen, Mich.; in St. John’s congregation, Royston, 6 miles north of Hillman, Mich.; in Immanuel congregation, Alpena, Mich.; in St. John’s congregation, Sanborn Township, Alpena Co., Mich.; in Zion congregation, Tawas City, Mich.; in St. John’s congregation, Pinconning, Mich.; in Zion
congregation, 5 miles northwest of Hemlock, Mich.; in Christ congregation, Birch Run, Mich.; in Trinity congregation, Reese, Mich.; in St. John’s congregation, Cheboygan, Mich.; [and] in Zion congregation, Deerfield Township, Lenawee Co., Mich. In December 1927, I received a call from Zion congregation, Petoskey [31]; Christ congregation, Boyne City [32]; [a different] Christ congregation, 5 miles northeast of East Jordan [33]; and St. Peter’s congregation, 3 miles west of Brutus, Michigan [34]. Having received a peaceful release,
I accepted the call, preaching my farewell sermon [at St. Paul’s Church in Herron on] 22 January 1928 [35].
The Ministry at Petoskey, Michigan
I was installed 5 February 1928 in Zion congregation, Petoskey; in Christ congregation, Boyne City; in Christ congregation, 5 miles northeast of East Jordan; and in St. Peter’s congregation, 3 miles west of Brutus, Michigan, by Pastor C. A. Rook of Traverse City, Mich., preaching my first sermon in the parish 12 and 19 February 1928 [36]. While on the one hand it was a relief to be out of [teaching] school, it was on the other hand no relief at all to have charge of 4 congregations at my advanced age [37]. During the later years of my ministration I taught Sunday school in person at Christ Church in Boyne City and at Christ Church, 5 miles northeast of East Jordan. In 1929 Zion congregation of Petoskey observed its 50th Anniversary; Rev. M. H. Fedderson of Homewood, Ill., [Zion’s] first resident pastor, and Rev. E. R. Truelzsch of Decatur, Ind., a former pastor [at Zion], preached the sermons. In 1934 Christ congregation of Boyne City observed its 25th Anniversary; Rev. O. H. Trinklein of Detroit, Mich., [its] first resident pastor, preached both sermons. In the summer of 1934, under my guidance, [a local chapter of] the Walther League was organized [in the parish]. Under the blessings of God it flourished and was a great success. Bible study, the Question Box, business hours, and social hours were the doings of the League. It was on 3 December 1933 that my father [in-law] William Henry Henning (born 8 August 1832
in Germany) died at Chicago Heights at the age of 101 years, 3 months, and 25 days. Burial was made 5 December 1933 at Trinity Lutheran Cemetery in Crete [38]. During my pastorate at Petoskey I preached in sister congregations upon invitation. As far as I
can recall, I preached in Immanuel Congregation, Moltke Township, Presque Isle Co., Mich.; in St. Paul’s Congregation, Good Harbor, 7 miles southwest of Leland, Mich.; and in St. John’s Congregation, Withee, Wis. That I have preached in but 3 sister congregations while at Petoskey is due to the fact that the Petoskey Parish comprised 4 congregations; for that reason it was almost impossible to leave the parish on a Sunday. The overburden of work in this parish of 4 congregations began to have telling effects upon the
condition of my health. I had to preach 2 times per Sunday, but 3 times on many Sundays, even 4 times on some Sundays, not to mention the fact that I had charge of 3 counties (Emmet, Charlevoix, and Otsego) and that I was the only pastor of our Church in these counties. I did mission work at Gaylord; the people there attended services at Christ Church in Boyne City. Neurasthenia set in, a partial debility of the mind. I became confused under the strain of my farflung work, and so I resigned from the parish gradually: on 20 January 1935 from Zion Congregation in Petoskey and St. Peter’s Congregation, 3 miles west of Brutus, preaching my farewell
sermon 7 July 1935; on 18 May 1935 from Christ Congregation, 5 miles northeast of East Jordan, preaching my farewell sermon 18 August 1935; and on 8 September 1935 from Christ Congregation in Boyne City, preaching my farewell sermon 22 September 1935. On 7 July 1935, I [had] ordained and installed Candidate V[ictor] Felton in Zion Congregation, Petoskey. On 18 August 1935, I installed him in Christ Congregation, 5 miles northeast of East Jordan, and on 3 November 1935 [I installed him] in Christ Congregation, Boyne City [39].
Retirement
The Lord has permitted me to be in the active ministry for 35 years. He has blessed my labors and efforts in the Kingdom richly. To thousands I have preached the Message of the Cross. To thousands I have administered the Holy Supper. Hundreds have I baptized, hundreds have I confirmed. Many were married by me, many were buried by me. Thousands of sermons I have preached to people far and near. Thousands of visits I have made to the sick and the weak. I have stood in the Parochial School for 25 years, 2 years as student vicar and 23 years as pastor. I have led many meetings for the welfare of the Church, have done mission work here and there, have taught Sunday School, have given counsel and service in finances. I have been active in Young People’s Societies, in Ladies’ Aid Societies, and have given them encouragement. I have played the organ at church for many years, have led choirs from time to time, have rendered children’s programs at church. For all this I give glory and honor to God, from Whom alone all blessings flow. What I have done, I have done by the grace and strength of God, who has been with me in my labors. Though retired, I still help out in cases of necessity. I still preach in congregations from time to time. I have preached in Zion congregation, Petoskey, Mich.; in Christ congregation, Boyne City, Mich.; in Holy Ghost congregation, Bergholtz, N.Y.; in St. John’s congregation, Withee,
Wis.; in Zion congregation, Owen, Wis.; [and] in St. John’s congregation, Almond, Wis. I have played the organ at Christ Church, Boyne City, Mich., since November 1936 to this day. I played the organ at Christ Church, 5 miles northeast of East Jordan, Mich. [33], for 2 years and 4 months, but was compelled to give [this] up, as it was too much to play in 2 congregations on one Sunday [40]. On 13 November 1934 we moved to 106 North East Street, Boyne City, Michigan, where we had bought our own home. The years of life have rolled by. The eve of life is here for both of us. However, we put the trust of our heart in the Lord, who will guide and keep us. We pray [to] the Lord, “Abide with us: for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent” (Luke 24: 29). The answer the Lord has in store for us reads, “And even to your old age I am he; and even to hoar hairs will I carry you: I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver you” (Isaiah 46: 4). “Hold Thou Thy cross before my closing eyes, Shine through the gloom, and point me to the skies. Heaven’s morning breaks, and earth’s vain shadows flee; In life, in death, O Lord, abide with me!”
Addenda, 1948−54
My brother Frederick William Schulz, born 11 August 1883, died 1 October 1948 at Lockport, N.Y., [and] was laid to rest 4 October 1948 in St. James Lutheran Cemetery, Bergholtz, N.Y. My sister Clara Agatha Schulz, born 23 July 1879, died 14 February 1954 at Buffalo, N.Y., and was laid to rest 17 February 1954 in Sweeney Cemetery, North Tonawanda, N.Y. My beloved spouse Ida Maria Sophia Schulz, née Henning, born 6 December 1876, died 5 September 1954 at her home, 106 North East Street, Boyne City, Mich., and was laid to rest 7 September 1954 in Maple Lawn Cemetery, Boyne City, Mich. [Pastor and Mrs. Schulz had celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on 16 July 1952. Their portrait, made on this occasion by their son Helmuth M. W. Schulz of Petoskey, Mich., appears on page 4 of Landsmann issue #21, March 2001.]
Epilogue, 1954−71
[Following Ida’s death, Pastor Schulz sold the house at 106 North East Street, Boyne City, for $5800. Proceeds from this sale ($5510 after deducting the broker’s commission) covered his modest living expenses for about ten years. The house was located one block north of the central business district and two blocks east of the Lake Charlevoix waterfront. After the sale it was moved to a truly residential neighborhood. For the next five years my grandfather lived with his daughter Magdalene and her husband Rudolph Gohlke, manager of the Alpena County Home. During this time he made visits of up to six weeks with his daughter Leona in Wisconsin. Beginning in 1959 Pastor Schulz lived alternately with Leona in Wisconsin (November through April) and Magdalene in Alpena, MI (May through October).] [Leona’s husband Erwin L. Wendling was Lutheran pastor in Auburndale, WI, until September 1957. He then served both St. John’s Church near (3 miles W of) Suring and Trinity Church in Maple Valley concurrently, until moving in March 1963 to Emmaus Lutheran Church near (8 miles SE of) Waupaca, WI. My grandfather thus found numerous opportunities for work as a substitute minister, even at age 80−85.] [In May 1964 my father found Pastor Schulz a room to rent at 213 Fulton Street in Petoskey, near the church he had served 1928−35. Pastor Schulz qualified for Old Age Assistance in 1965 and for Medicare in 1966. He spent his last five years (1966−71) in the Peirce [sic] Nursing Home at 1234 Golf Course Road, Alpena.] [Pastor Helmuth Frederick Carl Schulz died 18 April 1971 in Alpena and was buried 21 April 1971 at Maple Lawn Cemetery, Boyne City. Pastor Richard Noffze (husband of Rudy Gohlke’s sister Hildegard) presided at the funeral. A 1955 picture of the gravestone appears on page 16 of Landsmann issue #21.]
Notes by Michael Schulz
[1] Editing has been kept light to preserve the flavor of the original, but some of the phrasing has been streamlined. In particular, I have reduced the number of commas by changing dates to military format. Square-bracketed numerals refer to footnotes. Square-bracketed words and paragraphs indicate my clarifications and addenda. [2] Thanks mainly to the kindness of the late Hans Wendt, I have learned much about my grand-father’s ancestry (considerably more than my grandfather ever knew). The first four generations of his Ahnentafel read:
1. Helmuth Frederick Carl Schulz, * 13 June 1878 Bergholz/NY, † 18 April 1971 Alpena/MI
2. Carl Gottfried Schulz, * 1 Nov 1852 Bghz/NY, † 25 Jan 1896 N Tona, ∞ 12 June 1877 Bghz
3. Marie Friederike Ernestine Goerss, * 11 April 1852 Bghz/NY, †18 Feb 1894 N Tonawanda
4. Friedrich Wilhelm Schulz, * 6 Aug 1819 Plöwen, †3 Oct 1880 Bghz, ∞ (2nd) 15 May 1850
5. Johanna Charlotte Hoffmeister, * 14 Feb 1831 Gramzow, ∞ Bghz/NY, †5 April 1894 Bghz
6. Carl Friedrich Goerss, * 11 Oct 1817 Plöwen, †19 Aug 1883 Bghz/NY, ∞ 20 May 1845
7. Charlotte Wilhelmine Sy, * 4 Jan 1822 Plöwen, ∞ Buffalo, †15 March 1899 Bergholz/NY
8. Christian Schulz, * 2 April 1792 Plöwen, †7 Sept 1874 Bghz/NY, ∞ 29 Nov 1812 Plöwen
9. Charlotte Miers, * 19 Sept 1789 Plöwen, ∞ Plöwen, †20 Aug 1849 Bergholz/NY
10. Christian Friedrich Hoffmeister, * 10 July 1784 Grmz, †19 July 1833 Grmz, ∞ 5 Nov 1812
11. Maria Christine Winkel, * 24 Dec 1786 Gramzow, ∞ Grmz, †14 May 1863 Bergholz/NY
12. Christian Goerss, * 27 Aug 1780 Plöwen, †13 Aug 1827 Plöwen, ∞ 30 Oct 1816 Plöwen
13. Justine Keybel, * 4 Sept 1795 Raduhn, †25 May 1873 Bergholz/NY as widow of John Sy
14. Daniel Sy, * 22 Dec 1777 Plöwen, †6 Nov 1861 Bergholz/NY, ∞ 6 Dec 1810 Plöwen
15. Charlotte Hasenbank, * 20 Nov 1785 Plöwen, †6 Jan 1836 Plöwen as mother of John Sy
Maps on page 4 (facing the title page) identify the above village locations. Since this article is
already too long, further genealogical details are deferred to a future issue of Landsmann.
[3] The barque (3-masted sailing ship) Rainbow must have departed Hamburg in late June
1843, since it arrived 26 August 1843 at New York harbor. (The trip usually required about 60
days.) Passengers included persons #4, #6, #7, #8, #9, #13, and #14 in Note 2. Charlotte
Hoffmeister (person #5 in Note 2) arrived in 1844 on the ship Diana with her oldest brother
Christian Fried-rich (* 1813 in Gramzow) and her oldest sister Marie Christine (* 1815). Their
mother Maria Christine Winkel (#11) arrived in 1846 on the ship Conrad with daughters
Wilhelmine Luise (* 1821) and Ernestine Christine (* 1825).
[4] The locally preferred spelling is “ergholz,”after the village of that name in the Uckermark
region of what is now northeastern Germany. The “ergholtz”spelling came from the 1843 plat
map prepared by Irish-immigrant surveyor W. S. Hains for incorporation of the German immigrant
village by Niagara County authorities. Similarly “eu Wallmow”became “almore/NY.”
[5] My grandfather’ baptismal entry in the Sankt Jacobi (St. James) Lutheran Church register
describes Carl Gottfried Schulz as “in Wagner,”a wagon-maker.
[6] Pastor Schulz wrote this in 1948. The American Lutheran Church (ALC) merged in 1987
with the Lutheran Church in America (LCA) and with the Association of Evangelical Lutheran
Churches (AELC) to form the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA).
[7] These events are recorded in the registers of St. James Lutheran Church, Bergholz/NY.
[8] Although my grandfather did not explicitly describe it as such, this subsidy appears to have
been a quid pro quo for his parents’change of church affiliation.
[9] As vicar he roomed at Fritz Fedtke’ home and received meals from various members of the
congregation on a rotating basis. During his first four months in Steger, Trinity congregation of
Crete paid him $25 per month, of which he spent $10 for board. By mid-March 1899 the Steger
congregation became self-supporting and paid Vicar Schulz $15 per month plus room and board.
[10] To be precise, the church was organized as “he German Evangelical Immanuel Lutheran
Congregation of the Unaltered Augsburg Confession.”Charter members were Friedrich Teifke,
Karl Brach, Friedrich Fedtke, Johann Gast, Hermann Marquardt, Karl Rekau, and Edward Gluth.
[11] The Lutheran school in Steger opened 15 November 1898 with 14 pupils, whose number
grew to 19 by the end of the first week. Enrollment reached its high point (29) in April 1899 but
fell to 23 by the end of the first school year (June 1899). The school was continued by Vicar
Edward H. Felten, who arrived 21 August 1899 from Concordia Seminary, Springfield. Enrollment
had reached 44 by the end of the second school year (June 1900).
[12] According to a montage of graduation portraits [Burleigh & Lapham Photo, Springfield, IL],
matched (where possible) with student names from the census of June 1900, his classmates were
Martin Gallmeier, August Ziehlsdorf, W. Graf, Heinrich O. Weseloh, Charles Schroeder, Fritz J.
Brockmann, L. Andres, Heinrich L. Bornemann, Gustav G. Voss, Fritz J. Starke, Charles Heidtmann,
M. Hemann, August H. Lange, Gustav E. Luedtke, W. Benecke, August Parge, William F.
Lueck, G. Mertz, John H. Biehausen, Albert Kraft, Rudolph Karpinsky, Albert Rubbert, Peter
Juergensen, Theodore M. Volkert, Albert Degner, Carl F. Eisele, Charles Frankenstein, Theo H.
Sieving, Otto F. Steffen, and Hermann H. Meier. Professors (according to the census, as
clarified mainly by items from LCMS Today in History Website) were Reinhold Pieper
(president), John S. Simon, John F. Herzer, Friedrich J. Streckfuss, and Louis G. Wessel.
[13] Wilhelm Friedrich Benjamin Goerss (1857−1936) was a younger brother of my greatgrandmother
Ernestine Goerss (person #3 in Note 2). On 11 June 1884 he married Elisabeth
Maria Wilhelmine Schröder (1863−1933).
[14] Christian Friedrich Goerss (1850−1908) was an older brother of my great-grandmother
Ernestine Goerss. On 3 Sept 1876 he married Albertine Schulz (1854−1895), a younger sister of
my great-grandfather Carl Gottfried Schulz. A few years after Albertine’ death, he married
Mary Ziehl (1863−1952), widow of John Rubbert (1853−1897).
[15] Wilhelmine Auguste Goerss (1859−1942) was a younger sister of my great-grandmother Ernestine
Goerss. On 3 Nov 1881 she married Wilhelm Leberecht Gottlieb Ferchen (1855−1945).
[16] Before his marriage Pastor Schulz roomed at John Gast’ home and ate his meals at the
home of Julius Personke, a door or two away along Emerald Avenue. House numbers were not
in use before 1910, but by 1920 Julius Personke’ address was 3446 Emerald Avenue and John
Gast had moved to a farm in the rural part of Crete Township. The four lots acquired by
Immanuel congregation in anticipation of my grandparents’marriage were located at the corner
of Green and 35th Streets. The parsonage (facing Green Street) was completed in time for my
grandparents to move in upon returning 21 July 1902 from their honeymoon.
The church building during my grandfather’ pastorate in Steger was located at 3419 Chicago
Road on a lot donated in 1898 by a member of Trinity congregation, Crete. This 22ʹ′× 40ʹ′× 14ʹ′
frame structure had been dedicated on Exaudi Sunday, 14 May 1899, during my grandfather’
vicarage (see above). It was moved in 1912 to a lot by the new parsonage on 34th Place and was
remodeled inside to serve as the parish schoolhouse [see cover photo]. Immanuel Lutheran
School closed in 1944. The new church was dedicated in May 1912 and stands at 12 West 34th
Place (corner of Emerald Avenue).
[17] Magdalene Schulz (1904−1994) married Rudolf Reinhold August Gohlke (1901−1964) on
21 June 1928 at Alpena, MI. They named their children Roland (1929−2000) and Joanne (*
1933). Rudy worked for an ice company according to the census of 1930. He was manager of
the Alpena County Home at the time of his death in November 1964.
[18] My father Helmuth M. W. Schulz (1906−1998) married Annette Elaine Marie Steimel
(1911−1991) on 10 July 1940 at her parents’home in Boyne City, MI. I was born 14 July 1943
in Petoskey, MI. My father was a farm laborer (1916−20), dairy worker (1920−24), seminary
student (1924−27), dairy foreman (1927−37), state conservation (fish hatchery) clerk (1937−43,
1945−50), soldier (1943−45), carpenter (1950−62), and worker in an auto-parts factory (1952−
65). He also made nature photographs and cared for injured animals. My mother was an artist
(mainly in water colors) who taught third and fourth grades in elementary school (1932−40 in
Boyne City, 1952−72 in Petoskey).
[19] Leona Schulz (1907−1994) married the Rev. Erwin L. Wendling (1902−1982), a native of
Mason, IL; later a resident of Iuka, IL; and a 1930 graduate of Concordia Seminary, Springfield.
They named their children Reuben (1932−2002) and Ruth. Pastor Wendling was ordained 5 Oct
1930 at Withee, WI. He served St. John’ Lutheran Church in Withee and the Finnish Lutheran
Church at Owen from then until December 1941. See “pilogue, 1954−71”for further information
on his career.
[20] Half of Teacher Wilker’ salary was paid by the congregation and half by the Illinois district
of the LCMS. Teacher Wilker resigned his position in 1911. He was succeeded temporarily by
Teacher Walter Brown and permanently by Teacher Carl Homeier, who served the congregation
as teacher, organist, and choir-director until his death on 8 April 1942.
[21] In Ashland Pastor Schulz succeeded the Rev. Gustave Kaniess, who had served only 30
months before receiving his call to serve the larger congregation at Kewaskum in Fond du Lac
Co., WI. The Rev. Phillip Lange had previously served the Ashland congregation for 13 years,
1895−1907. Pastor Schulz was succeeded in Steger by Pastor H. William Meyer, who arrived
from Nebraska in January 1911 and served until 1916. In the fall of 1911 Pastor Meyer and his
family moved into the congregation’ second parsonage, located (according to the 1920 census)
at 24 [West] 34th Place.
[22] Zion Lutheran Church was then located at the corner of Ellis Avenue and Seventh Street in
Ashland. The church building and two school buildings had been moved there in 1903 from a
too-noisy location on Prentice Street, near the railroad tracks. The parsonage where my grandparents
lived was located at 707 Ellis Avenue. The present church (dedicated 1970) is located at
1111 Eleventh Avenue West, Ashland, WI 54806.
[23] It was also around 1911 that services at Zion Lutheran Church, Ashland, began to be offered
in English as well as in German.
[24] Deerfield village borders the Monroe county line, about 15 miles east of Adrian, MI.
According to the 1920 census, the parsonage was on (Sam) Garno Road (no street number).
[25] I am not sure what he meant by the word “eneral”here. Although my grandfather was
born almost 35 years after his ancestors had immigrated to America, and although he spoke
English very well, German was still his first language. I suppose he had in mind the German
word “llgemein,”which would perhaps have meant either that all the families in Zion Lutheran
congregation sent their children to his school, or perhaps only that children of all grade levels sat
in the same classroom (since my grandfather was the only teacher).
[26] The Spiegel Lutheran cemetery is located at the NW corner of Garno and Blissfield Roads,
evidently in the NE quarter of Section 31. The church would therefore have been located near
the boundary between Sections 32 and 33.
[27] Glenn’ birth mother was named Selma Bohn [see Landsmann issue #21, Note 22].
[28] Glenn died 30 April 1956 in a car accident on Torrey Pines Grade in San Diego County, CA
[see Landsmann issue #21, Note 23].
[29] Her true age was 80 yr, 4 mo, 9 days, since she was in fact born 11 August 1839. Burial
was in Zion Cemetery, which adjoins Trinity Cemetery [see Landsmann issue #21, Notes 3 and
25].
[30] Herron is the official name of the community known to my father as “olf Creek”(which
he pronounced “rick”. St. Paul Lutheran Church (7716 Wolf Creek Road, Herron, MI 49744)
is an LCMS congregation. My grandfather succeeded Pastor Herman Brietzke, who had served
the congregation from 1915 until leaving the ministry temporarily in 1920. House numbers
along Wolf Creek Road increase by 1000 per mile, southward from Marwede Road (7000) to
Dege Road (8000). Wolf Creek was not a modern community. Sermons at St. Paul’ church
were delivered only in German until 1942, when English services were first introduced and offered
one Sunday per month. There is also an ELCA congregation nearby (St. Matthew
Lutheran Church, at 7109 Wolf Creek Road, Herron, MI 49744).
[31] Zion Lutheran Church (currently at 500 W Mitchell Street) was then located at 810
Petoskey Street (corner of Fulton). This building was sold about 1950 to Hilltop Mennonite
Fellowship.
[32] Christ Lutheran Church (currently at 1250 Boyne Road) in Boyne City was then located at
the corner of Lake and Lincoln Streets. The old church building appears to be vacant now.
[33] Christ Lutheran Church, “ocated 5 miles northeast of East Jordan,”is currently called Faith
Lutheran Church and belongs to the small Evangelical Lutheran Synod. The church is located in
Wilson Township (Charlevoix Co) at 02148 Wilson Road South, East Jordan, MI 49727, about 5
miles south of the community called Advance, about 5 miles southwest of Boyne City, and about
5 miles east of East Jordan.
[34] St. Peter’ Lutheran Church, located (evidently in the community called Ayr) 3 miles west
of Brutus and 8 miles NE of Harbor Springs, is no longer active. Improved transportation
enabled congregants to attend church in Petoskey or Cheboygan.
[35] Pastor Schulz was succeeded in Herron by the Rev. Louis Luecke (1928−30), after a
vacancy of 10 months during which Pastor Weinlander of Sanborn served as supply pastor.
Pastor Luecke was succeeded (1930−49) by the Rev. Richard Noffze. During his ministry at
Herron, Pastor Noffze (1906−1982) married Miss Hildegard Emma Olga Gohlke (1911−2003), a
younger sister of Rudolf Reinhold August Gohlke (1901−1964); see Note [17].
[36] In this capacity he succeeded the Rev. William Opitz, who had served the parish since 1923.
English had been the main language for conducting services in Boyne City since 1915, when the
use of German was relegated to one Sunday per month (on which a separate English service was
conducted also).
[37] He was almost 50 years old by then, hardly an “dvanced age”by today’ standards or for a
pastor at that time (1928). Even so, pastoral duties for four congregations would (I agree) have
been a strenuous assignment.
[38] Wilhelm Henning seems to have been born 8 August 1834, which would have made him 2
years younger than my grandfather believed, and he was in fact buried next to his wife Caroline
née Vanter in Zion Cemetery, Crete [see Landsmann issue #21, Notes 2 and 27].
[39] This appears to have been Victor A. Felten (* 1909), son of Edward H. Felten (1878−1968,
see Note 11) and Aline Raaflaub. The situation that Pastor Schulz had found intolerable did not
last long. The younger Rev. Felten was soon assisted by the Rev. Albert Krueger, and the parish
was divided before the end of 1935. Pastor Felten thereafter served Petoskey and Wilson Township
until January 1941, while Pastor Krueger served Boyne City, also until January 1941.
Pastor Felten was succeeded in Petoskey by the Rev. Walter L. Gienapp, while Christ Churches
of Boyne City and Wilson Township called the Rev. Norman H. Kuck from Paw Paw, MI, in
February 1941 to become their regular pastor.
[40] Age 57 was much too young for retirement, especially for a pastor during the Great Depression.
On 3 April 1935, with my father’ help, he purchased a gas station at 111 North East Street
in Boyne City (from Frank A. Droz and Philemon Droz) for $500 on a 5-year land contract. The
station was across from the house at 106 North East Street. Given my grandfather’ life experience,
however, this was not a successful business venture. He sold the gas station 6 October
1936 to Henry M. (Mike) Steimel (my other grandfather, who died there at his desk 14 June
1937 while counting the day’ receipts). In 1941 the Boyne City congregation voted its former
Pastor Schulz a salary of $2 per month for his services as organist. I suppose he also received
honoraria for occasional work as a substitute pastor.
Acknowledgments
I am grateful to my late parents Helmuth M. W. Schulz (1906−98) and Annette E. M. (Steimel)
Schulz (1911−91) for having preserved rare photographs and other historical items in which
some of the reported details could be found. My cousin Linda Kay (Gohlke) Bryant provided
copies of various death certificates, as well as an electronic scan of the Schulz-Henning wedding
photograph from July 1902. Eugene W. Camann, Gladys M. Urtel, Pastor John H. Crilley, the
late John N. and Ella E. (Pfohl) Mueller, and the late Norma Stolzenburg kindly provided me
with access to Bergholz/NY (and neighboring) church registers. The late Hans Wendt (1915−88)
helped me construct the Ahnentafel in Note 2 from data he had acquired in Germany. I have
abbreviated or omitted some information about living persons in the interest of privacy.
Bibliography
Rare Church Histories (preserved by my father Helmuth M. W. Schulz):
Gatz, William A., and Harry Rostollan, [History of] Zion Lutheran Church, Ashland, Wisconsin
[upon dedication of the new church building, 1970]. Source for Notes 21−23.
Hattstaedt, Rev. Otto, History of Zion Lutheran Congregation at Ashland, Wisconsin [in its
Official Directory and Hand Book, 1925]. Source for Notes 21−23.
Lubben, Rev. Darrell M., A Brief History of St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church, Herron,
Michigan, 1894−1959 [honoring its 65th anniversary, 1959]. Source for Notes 30 and 35.
Mehringer, Rev. William G., History of Immanuel Lutheran Church, Steger, Illinois, 1899−1949
[on the occasion of its fiftieth anniversary, 1 Jan 1949, as quoted in local newspaper account
titled “olorful 50-Year History of Steger Church Recalled,”probably in The Crete Record,
probably 31 Dec 1948]. Source for Notes 9, 10, 11, 16, and 20.
Reidel, Carl A., Church History [of Christ Lutheran Churches in Boyne City and Wilson Township],
Walsworth Bros., Marceline, MO, 1951. Source for Notes 36 and 39.
Kirchenbücher (church registers): Plöwen (Pfarrarchiv Löcknitz); Gramzow (Staatsarchiv Potsdam;
FHL Films 1273002 & 1334969; Pfarrarchiv Gramzow); Raduhn/Peetzig (Archiwum
Państwowe, Warszawa; FHL Film 0903327); Bergholz, NY (Holy Ghost & St. James
church archives; Trinity birth & death registers, privately held). Sources for Note 2.
Universal Map (Williamston, MI): South Cook County, Illinois; South Central Michigan; Adrian
and Lenawee County; Northern Tip of Michigan; Petoskey and Charlevoix
Rand-McNally: Buffalo âˆ’Niagara Falls âˆ’Rochester
MapWorks, Inc. (Rochester, NY): Niagara County & Niagara Falls
*Niagara County Dept. of Public Works (Lockport, 1985): Highway Map of Niagara County
*Haupka: Auto-Wanderkarte Mecklenburg-Vorpommern; *RV Verlag: Euro-Reiseatlas (p. 27)
*Portions of these items have been used for compiling the cartographic montage on page 4.
Lutherans Online (www.lutheransonline.com): History of Immanuel Lutheran Church [Steger]
Concordia Historical Institute (chi.lcms.org): Today in History [via google search for names]
Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com): Census Images, Social Security Death Index
Photo Credits
Cover: Immanuel “v. Luth. Church, Rectory & School”in Steger (on card mailed July 1912 to
Rev. Schulz in Ashland): 35th Street Studio, P. L. Huckins, prop., 302 E. 35th St., Chicago.
Pastor Schulz at age 66 (24 April 1945) and at age 88 (30 May 1966): by Helmuth M. W. Schulz.
Other photos are undated and unattributed, except as noted in text or caption.
Biographical Note
Michael Schulz, editor of this article, is a physicist (space researcher) by profession. He works at Lockheed Martin’ Advanced Technology Center in Palo Alto and resides at 1037 Twin Oak Ct., Redwood City, CA 94061.

Helmuth married HENNING, Ida Maria Sophia on 16 Jul 1902 in Crete, Will County, IL. Ida (daughter of HENNING, William Henry and FANTER, Carolina) was born on 6 Dec 1876 in Crete, Will County, IL; died on 5 Sep 1954 in Boyne City, Charlevoix County, MI. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Charles Schulz, ot North Tonawanda, died of consumption Saturday. The funeral took place this afternoon from his residence on Geneva street, Rev. Herring officiating. Mr. Schulz was 48 years of age and leaves three children, two boys and one girl. Mrs. Schulz passed away two years ago. The oldest son is attending college at Ft. Wayne, Indiana. The remains were taken to Bergholz for burial.

Karl married GOERSS, Maria Frederike Ernestine on 12 Jun 1877 in Town of Wheatfield, Niagara County, NY. Maria (daughter of GOERSS, Carl Friedrich and SY, Charlotte Wilhelmine) was born on 10 Apr 1852 in Town of Wheatfield, Niagara County, NY; died in 1894 in North Tonawanda, Niagara County, NY. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Friedrich married HOFFMEISTER, Johanna Charlotte on 12 May 1850 in Bergholtz, Town of Wheatfield, Niagara County, NY. Johanna (daughter of HOFFMEISTER, Christian Friedrich and WINKEL, Marie Christine) was born on 14 Feb 1831 in Gramzow, Brandenburg, Prussia; died on 5 Apr 1894 in Niagara County, NY. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Carl married SY, Charlotte Wilhelmine on 20 May 1856 in Buffalo, Erie County, NY. Charlotte (daughter of SY, Daniel and KEIBEL, Johanna) was born on 4 Jan 1822 in Plowen, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Germany; died on 15 May 1899 in Niagara County, NY. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Christian married MIERS, Charlotte about 1811. Charlotte (daughter of MIERS and HAHN, Charlotte) was born in 1788 in Prussia; died on 20 Aug 1849 in Niagara County, NY. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Christian married WINKEL, Marie Christine on 5 Nov 1812 in Gramzow, Brandenburg, Prussia. Marie (daughter of WINKEL, Gotlieb and DARREN, Charlotta) was born on 24 Dec 1786 in Meichow, Brandenburg, Germany; died on 14 May 1863 in Niagara Falls, Niagara County, NY. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Daniel + KEIBEL, Johanna. Johanna was born in Dec 1797 in Prussia; died on 21 May 1873 in Town of Wheatfield, Niagara County, NY. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]