Buried: Friedens Union Cemetery, Sumneytown, Montgomery Co
Spouse: Sophia Drace
Born: May 8, 1827
Died: January 22, 1878
Parents: Michael and Sarah (Fox) Drace
Married: September 19, 1847
Children: Milton, Henry, Nathaniel, Amandus, Daniel, Emma, and unconfirmed others
Like his forefathers, Henry Erb seems to have led a simple life in the mid-nineteenth century.
According to the 1860 through 1880 censuses, Henry was a stonemason and lived in Frederick.
Henry married Sophia Drace on September 19, 1847 in New Hanover – likely at either the New Hanover or Faulkner Swamp churches. Sophia’s parents were Michael Drace and Sarah Fox (yes, another Fox).
Both Henry and Sophia are buried at Friedens Union Cemetery, Sumneytown.
Sophia’s gravestoneHenry’s gravestone
Children of Henry & Sophia
1. Milton was born on February 4, 1848 and died on October 27, 1900. He married Susan Kulp (1846-1931) in 1872. According to the 1900 census, at the time of his death he lived at 614 East Philadelphia Ave, Boyertown, and was a cigarmaker. Milton and Susan are both buried at Fairview Cemetery in Boyertown.
2. Henry was born on July 27, 1850 and died on January 12, 1909. He married Emma Fenstermacher in 1870. At the time of the 1900 census, he was a mason and lived in Pennsburg. Prior to this, he was a police officer, according to his death certificate. Henry died and was buried in Bethlehem’s Nisky Hill Cemetery. His son the Rev. Henry Erb married a descendant of the Fox line on my maternal side, also related to Laura Radner Fox (wife of Daniel, listed below). See the Connections & Questions page for more details on this.
3. Nathaniel was born on July 10, 1858 and died on February 19, 1914. He married Emma Ellen Engel (1864-1949) in 1881. According to his death certificate, Nathaniel was a grocer. The couple had at least two children, Charles and Bertha. Nathaniel and Emma Ellen are buried with an impressive grave stone in Pottstown Cemetery.
4. Amandus was born on August 4, 1862 and died on March 30, 1918. He married Emma Slonecker (1869-1928) on January 21, 1888 in Pennsburg. There is record of only one child, a Stillborn Son born August 6, 1897. In 1910, Amandus and Emma lived at 153 Main Street in Pennsburg, and Amandus was a carpenter at a planing mill. Following Amandus’s death, Emma remarried John Rosenberger in 1922 (Who had been married once before, and married again after Emma’s death. He died of suicide in 1940 and is buried in Pottstown). Amandus, Emma, and their son are buried at Pennsburg UCC.
Buried: St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, Obelisk, Montgomery Co. PA
Spouse: Magdalena Royer
Born: Feb 28, 1783
Died: Nov 14, 1848
Parents: unknown
Married: Feb 12, 1815 (?) at Faulkner Swamp / New Hanover
Children: George, Jacob, Henry*, Isaac (?)
Like his father, details about Jacob’s life are not plentiful.
For much of his life, Jacob lived in the Frederick and New Hanover area, with the 1830 census specifically stating he lived in adjacent Pottsgrove.
Records state that Jacob and Magdalena Royer were married on February 12, 1815. However, the first child attributed to this couple, George, was born in 1810. Was George born five years before his parents were married? Is his birthdate incorrect? Or, was he perhaps the child of Jacob and a previous wife whose name has been lost?
Magdalena Royer’s parents are unknown at this time, largely due to the prevalence of the name Royer. There appears to have been another Magdalena Royer in the area at the same time, and some documents seem to be mis-attributed to these two women.
Both Jacob and Magdalena are buried at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church in Obelisk.
Magdalena’s gravestoneJacob’s gravestone
Children of Jacob and Magdalena Royer:
1. George Royer Erb was born on August 15, 1810 and died on March 31, 1886. His birthdate may be incorrect, as this is 5 years before Jacob & Magdalena’s marriage. Alternatively, he may have been the son of Jacob and a first wife whose name has been lost. George married Mary Trexler (1813 – 1882), and they are both buried at St. Paul’s Union Cemetery in Mertztown, Bucks County. Their children were Jacob, Samuel, Benjamin, John, Isaac, Henry, Mary, and Sarah
2. Jacob Royer Erb was born in 1815 and died on January 28, 1894. He married Juliana Dietz (1815-1893) in 1840. Their children were Godfried, Catherine Ann, William, and Jesse.
Details about Jacob’s life are not plentiful. At the age of twenty he married Anna Maria Lehman. He served in the Revolution as a member of the Pennsylvania Militia. It appears that he served alongside his brother, John Heinrich, in the 4th Company, but 2nd class.
The burial location of Jacob and Anna Maria is unknown. Most likely New Hanover, but stones lost to time.
Children of Jacob and Anna Maria
1 Johannes was born on September 16, 1781 and baptized at New Hanover on October 21, 1781 with his grandparents as sponsors. He married Elizabeth Anne Reinewald (1782-1864) in 1802 and their children were Jacob, George, Mary, Abraham, Samuel, Elizabeth, John, Anne, Charles, and Catherine. Johannes died in 1850, though his burial location is unknown.
Born: Aug 24, 1732 in Niederlinxweiler, Rheinland-Pfalz
Died: March 6, 1785
Parents: Johann Adam Metzger (1701-1745) and Maria Catherine Scherer (1715-1748)
Married: in 1756
Children: Johannes Jacob, Eva Barbara, John Heinrich, Jacob*, John/Johannes George, Peter, Margaret/Margretha, Catharina, Sophine Margaret, Johannes
Spouse 2: Catharina Stissholtz Renheim, widow of George Renheim, married on May 22, 1787
It is likely that Casper’s forefathers bore the surname “Herb.” According to some trees on Ancestry.com, his parents may have been Johann Michael Haeniger Herb (1670-1756) and Anna Juditha Dan (1699-1737), both also born in Germany and immigrating to Pennsylvania. Without clearer confirmation about the truth of this relationship (especially given the odd prevalence of Casper Erbs) or any generations further back, I’ll begin primarily with Casper.
Casper was born in Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany in 1724. At thirty years of age, already well into adulthood, he traveled to America aboard the ship “Edinburg,” arriving in Philadelphia September 10, 1754. We are fortunate to have record of his travels:
Other details of Casper’s life are summed up in the following genealogy:
If you use Google Maps to navigate to where current day Bliem Road and Sanatoga Road nearly intersect, you can see a modern development being built in old farm fields, as well as a farmhouse at the end of the road. This home is listed as having been built in 1800, but could it be possible that this date is an estimate, or refers to the date of later enlargements of the original structure? We may never know.
Casper married Catharina Margaret Metzger, also a German immigrant, in about 1756. The couple had ten children that are known of. After Catharina’s death in 1785, Casper remarried Catharina Stissholtz Renheim, widow of George Renheim on May 22, 1787. I am not certain on dates or burial location for Catharina, Casper’s second wife; there’s a good amount of confusion on Ancestry, likely due to both wives having the same first name.
Casper and his first wife are buried at New Hanover Lutheran Church, the oldest German Lutheran church in North America. Its cemetery boasts dozens of headstones with the name Erb. Casper seems to have been given a greatly upgraded headstone years after his death, including details of his life and military career. However, the genealogy provided above casts doubt upon his purported military involvement, and I have honestly not found any records indicating that this Casper was indeed involved in the War for Independence.
Children of Casper and Catharina
1? Johannes Jacob (1756-1810) is not listed in the genealogy document above, but comes up on Ancestry where he is listed as living in Lancaster, PA. It is possible that he may have been part of a different Erb family.
1 Eva Barbara was born on October 12, 1757 and died on December 2, 1831. She married Andrees Nester on February 11, 1796 and is buried at New Hanover.
2 John Heinrich was born on June 11, 1759 and died on December 29, 1838. Pennsylvania Archives page 791 indicates that he served in the Pennsylvania Militia 4th Company, 3rd class in the Revolution. He married Catharine Greisinger (1765-1822) in 1782.
4 John / Johannes George was born on March 31, 1763 and died on January 11, 1842. His first wife was Catharina Renninger (March 7, 1763 – April 8, 1807), married on February 15, 1785 at New Hanover. His second wife was also named Catharine, last name possibly Hartman (1779-1817), married in 1807. While children from both marriages are listed on Ancestry, the most accurate information would come from church records; two mothers named Catherine have led to some name, date, and relationship confusion on Ancestry. John and his second wife are buried at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Red Hill, the old cemetery, row CC. Unfortunately no photo exists on Find-a-Grave, so it is likely that the stone is list. His first wife, Catharina Renninger, is buried at New Hanover.
5 Peter Erb was born on April 5, 1765 and died in 1830. He married Maria Christiana Renninger (1769-1830) on 11 April 1786. Their known children were Johann George, Elizabetha, Johannes, Peter, Heinrich, Joseph, Jonas, Jacob, Salome, and Catharina. Peter lived in Hanover in York County, PA, but his burial location is unknown.
6 Margaret / Margaretha was born on February 28, 1767 and died on May 19, 1838. She married George Welcker around 1790, and their sons included George & John. Burial location is unknown
7 Catharina was born on August 2, 1769 and died on May 19, 1839 in either East Greenville or New Hanover. At this time nothing else is known.
8 Sophine Margaret was born on May 24, 1771 and died on January 5, 1835. She married Johann Henrich Leh (1767-1849) in 1787, who may be buried as Heinrich Leh at Fairview Cemetery in Boyertown, perhaps with a 2nd wife named Catharine Muth (or, there are two Johann Heinrich Lehs!). Sophine and Johann Heinrich’s children were Elizabeth, Jacob, and Sarah.
9 Johannes was born on September 2, 1773 and dued in 1839. At this time nothing else is known.
Buried: (1) American war cemetery in Margraten, Netherlands (2) St. Paul’s Lutheran Church Cemetery, Red Hill PA
Parents: Robert & Margaret (Neas) Wolf
Grade school photoJunior Class at South Whitehall. Robert is in here somewhere.
Robert Wolf Jr was born to Robert and Margaret (Neas) Wolf on April 8, 1926. He was the nephew of Sadie (Wolf) Heimbach (my maternal great-grandmother) and the first cousin of Pearl (Heimbach) Thomas (my maternal grandmother)
Robert was the eldest of three siblings: Arlene was born on April 1, 1930. A younger brother, Kermit Charles, was born on August 7, 1934, and died a week later on August 14.
Robert graduated from South Whitehall High School in May, 1944 – a great achievement considering many young people at the time left school in their early teens to work and support their family. He worked at an A&P store on North 19th Street, likely in Whitehall or Allentown, around the time of his graduation.
Robert’s Draft Card
By July 1944, at 18 years of age, this recent high school graduate was drafted and began basic training at Fort Bragg, NC.
The rest that we know of Robert’s life comes from letters he sent to Pearl Heimbach, his cousin. Thankfully, Pearl kept those letters and they found their way into my aunt & mom’s hands.
In July, 1936, Pearl Heimbach accompanied her aunt and uncle, Robert Wolf Sr. and Margaret (Neas), and cousins Robert Jr and Arlene on a trip to Gettysburg. These photos are from Pearl’s photo album.
Letter 1: May 30, 1944, Guthsville PA
Robert’s first letter comes on May 30, 1944, just after his high school graduation. It is the only type-written one and the shortest, and gives a glimpse into the humble mind of this teenager as well as the playful banter enjoyed by the family members. He mentions his aunt and uncle (Sadie Wolf & Frank Heimbach), cousins Pearl and Paul Heimbach, and Lorraine, who we later learn was Paul’s girlfriend.
“Dear Pearl,
I cannot express my thanks for the graduation card and 2-dollars which you gave me this evening.
I no I cannot fulfill the standards which are required throughout life, but at least I can try to follow some of them. I know that when it comes to brain work, such as chemistry, physics, English, etc., I will be left behind; however, I did learn the necessary things that are required in life. Those things are; loyalty, honesty, courage, religion, and patriotism. If I follow those, I no I shall have no trouble throughout life.
This is a-hell-of-a-world just now, but I’m not afraid.
Your cousin,
‘Bob’
To Aunt Sadie, Frank, Paul, Pearl, and Lorraine, the best of happiness to all and the best of luck.
From the good-for nothing, spoiled, —5-foot Marine —-“
Letter 2: July 23, 1944, Fort bragg NC
By July, Robert was at Fort Bragg for basic training. His handwritten letter to Pearl, on US Army letterhead, talks about his equal excitement and fear of jumping as a paratrooper (and I wonder if Pearl had previously expressed that she’d be a “sissy” about such a thing), insecurities about how quickly he had to grow up as a young soldier-in-training, and his approval of Russell, whom Pearl later married. Robert mentions his nicknames of “Junior” and “Bob,” and I wonder if Pearl had asked in a prior letter if she should call him Robert now that he’s a man in the army. Robert also reflects on their family vacations together with the nostalgia of someone all-to-quickly yanked from childhood.
“Dear Pearl,
I’m far from being a ‘man.’ I’m just one of Uncle Sam’s 18 yr. old boys in the Paratroop division. Now, if you want to know somebody who is a man, take a look at Russel. Boy! I still remember how he looks, no kidding. He’s a real man. Pearl, I don’t want to be more than anybody else, so you call me what you want too. Junior or Bob. Thanks any way for the compliments of being a man.
You know, I agree with you when you said, ‘it seems like yesterday when you used to come to our place for vacation.’ I really hope you think I turned out to be a swell fellow because I know I was a spoiled ‘brat’ when I was younger. Paul can tell you that himself. By the way, I hope Paul catches fish by the bushels. As for opening his letter;I don’t mind at all.
To jump from a plan will really be a thrill. I can’t wait. Yet, it will be quite a long time before I get the chance to jump. I’m not afraid to admit I’ll be scared the first time, who wouldn’t be. We were told that everyone who makes his first jump is scared stiff. It’s only natural. But, boy oh boy, I can’t wait. Don’t think girls are sissys because they’re not. Every boy is as much a sissy as the girl is. Only the boy has more physical abilities.
The Army cooking is all right and furthermore, we get plenty to eat. (Today we had chicken; not bad.) How about it? I share my hopes that Russel stays on this side, and I will keep my fingers crossed. (here there is a little scribble, which may be a correction, or something to look like crossed fingers?)
Tell your parents I sent them my heartiest congradulations for their 25th wedding anniversary. I shall wait for Margaret’s letter before I write.
With love your cousin ‘Bob’ (‘Junior’)
P.S – Thanks for the ‘love.’ I need it. Boys don’t mind ‘love.’ (ha ha)”
LEtter 3: August 29, 1944, Fort Bragg NC
Robert’s third letter is less jovial; he acknowledges the hard work of adulthood, yet expresses a love for “Army life” and shares news of his skilled marksmanship. He expresses how much he misses everyone at home, and refers to Pearl’s beau “Tommy,” which was a nickname of Russell’s.
“Dear Pearl,
Received your letter full-heartily; however, I regret I could not answer sooner than I did.
I hear you’re still working hard. It’s tough sometimes, believe me, now I know. I certainly do think you need a vacation. You hardly ever got your vacations when the time actually was to get them, did you?
As for me, I love the Army life all except for one thing, my mother – father – sister – and faithful relations, like you in East Greenville. That’s one thing I really miss. You know (how I think you miss) ‘Tommy;’ well, that’s how I miss all of you.
Yes, my parents are coming down – with Paul I hope. Listen, if this letter reaches you in time – please tell Paul to bring his swimming suit just in case we can’t pass a lake without feeling the water. Get what I mean?
Say, I consider myself pretty lucky. Today we had rifle practice and out of 20 shots, I hit 16 in the Bulls Eye. 16 out of 20. The other 4 were in no. 4 ring. If you don’t understand I think Paul does. Ask him? If I do this when we shoot for records, I will receive an ‘expert’ medal for rifle targeting. That would be ‘okay’ with me.
I know this letter isn’t too interesting, but I honestly don’t have more time.
With Love, ‘Bob’
P.S. Please keep on writing. I’ll answer as soon as possible.”
Letter 4: September 19, 1944
Robert’s letter shows even further transformation from a timid teen to a courageous soldier. A peek into the American psyche of the time, he refers to the Japanese in no fond terms. He expresses confidence that he will be fighting in Japan and an eagerness to make the enemy pay. We also have a peek into Russell Thomas’s own training, and apparently his stay at base in Virginia had been prolonged. Through all the uncertainty of wartime, though, funny cakes always improve the day.
“Tommy will soon be home
Dear Pearl,
Swell to hear from you. Sorry I couldn’t write before this, but I know you know why.
Tomorrow I’ll go on the rifle range for the third time. I’ve already qualified for ‘expert.’ Tomorrow, however, will just be practice in order to teach us more about the gun and also for keeping us in ‘trim.’
It seems to be a rainy month. It rained today again and this time it rained hard. We walked through water 1 foot deep as a result of the rain. Our shoes, feet, pants, and clothing were all soaked. In other words, there wasn’t a dry spot on us except the top of ur heads. This was caused by our helmets.
Gee! I’m glad for you and Tommy. I’m very happy to hear that Tommy will stay in Virginia for the time being. It would make anybody happy to hear that.
As for me, well, I don’t mind going across as long as I have a ‘parachute’ on my back. I want to get even with them ‘dirty damn Yellow Japs.’ I don’t want to be a hero, Pearl. I just want to do my best of duty where they need me most, and I know that will be in Japan! That’s all I can say. I know you think I’m crazy….but think,… think how many other men like me died because of a treacherous ‘yellow dog;’ the Jap. It will take years to make up for those men, and I want to help. Now I know you’ll understand.
The funny cakes… hmm, hmm, boy, were they good! I’ve always loved Sadie’s funny cakes. You’re all so swell to me. East Greenville will always be my second home. So long good-looking. God Bless you.
Love, ‘Bob'”
Letter 5: October 4, 1944, Fort Bragg NC
Robert has completed 11 weeks of training and will be heading for combat in 6. But before that, he’s getting photos taken. If Pearl received one, I’ve never come across it. Here we learn that Russell (“Tommy”) will no longer be remaining stateside. As for the “hunting license,” all I can imagine is that, based on the content of the previous letter, Pearl & family created a phony one for “Japs.” The “Benning” that Robert talks of is Fort Benning in Georgia, where he later went to finish parachute training.
“Best of Luck to a Swell Couple
Dear Pearl,
Many, many thanks for my ‘hunting license.’ I’m sure if I ever get that far, that I won’t worry about the ‘limit.’ I’ll get as many of those ‘devils’ that I possibly can.
Well I had hoped Tommy wouldn’t have to go, but I guess they need him. Thomas is what I really call a ‘Soldier.’ He’s tall, handsome, very neat, honorable, and he has loyalty. What I’m trying to say is he knows what ‘life’ is. That’s why I know when this thing is all over, he’ll come home, home to you. ‘God Bless you Tommy.’ May he protect both of you wherever you go and whatever you do.
As for myself, I have almost completed 11 weeks of training, which means I have 6 mmore here at Fort Bragg. After that, ‘To BenningI will go, to Benning I will go.’ Ah, yes! That will be my day. There is definitely one thing that gets me ‘raving mad,’ and that is; every time one or two persons get in wrong for anything, small or great, the whole platoon has to suffer. Tommy knows what that used to be like. It’s the Army way.
In the near future (within 2 or 3 wks), I will send my picture. I am getting 6 taken. Three small, and three large. You will receive a large (colored) picture as soon as I get it.
Pearl, how are Aunt Sadie & Uncle Frank? Tell them I ask about them will you? And Paul – that handsome lad from East Greenville. Tell hi I will write in my next moment of spare time, but also tell him he shouldn’t wait for me. I didn’t forget Fern – I received a letter a couple days ago. Will answer soon.
All my love, ‘Bob’ ‘your little cousin'”
LEtter 6: October 26, 1944, Fort Bragg NC
Robert’s letter now appears on personalized letterhead bearing his name and “U.S. Paratroops.” We learn about happenings in the family: Paul’s breakup, Sadie & Frank’s daily routines, and that Russell will be shipping out soon. It seems that Pearl has also acknowledged how much her little cousin has grown up over the last three months.
“How are you all do’in?
Dear Pearl,
It was good to hear from you. Thanks so much for your most interesting letter.
I was surprised to hear that Paul left Lorraine, but glad that they separated friends. Tell Paul to write and tell me about it.
So now Tommy has received his over-sea equipment and is expecting to ship out. Well, Pearl, I honestly want to share my sympathy with you. I fully realize what it means for a couple like you to be parted for the time being, but don’t forget, it will only be for the time being, then you’ll be together again. Pearl, I know you can keep that chin up! I will await more news about Tommy. ‘God be with him wherever he goes.’
I don’t believe I grew up much at all; however I have gained weight. If you remember I weighte 137 lbs. before I came in the Army; now I weigh 152 lbs. Quite a change. How about it? So you see I’m still that little ‘brat’ cousin of yours. I guess I always will be.
You know, in your letter you wrote about the rest of the family. Pearl, I could picture every word you said. Drank chewing gum; Sadie just watching around, both of them sitting at the table exchanging words here and there. Yes, I can clearly picture all of that. Tell them I said ‘Hello, and Best of Luck to the best Uncle and Aunt in the world.’
Next 2 weeks I’ll be out in the ‘field,’ meaning maneuvers. I won’t be able t o write for quite a while, but I wish you would write to me, please!Furthermore this week and my 17th week will be the last weeks in Fort Bragg. Good-night Pearl. ‘God Bless You.’
Love, ‘Bob’
P.S – I’m going to take a shower before the lights go out.”
Letter 7: April 24, 1945, Somewhere in germany
It is uncertain if there were any other communications from Robert after his last letter in October, but by April he is in Germany and has already been part of at least one major event in WWII. Robert reveals that he was in the 17th Airborne Division and mentions “The Jump” – an event that would have been headline news in America in the thick of the war. According to Wikipedia: “Operation Varsity (24 March 1945) was a successful airborne forces operation launched by Allied troops that took place toward the end of World War II. Involving more than 16,000 paratroopers and several thousand aircraft, it was the largest airborne operation in history to be conducted on a single day and in one location.” Robert was among the paratroopers who jumped across the Rhine and landed in on its eastern bank near the towns of Wesel and Hamminkeln. There is even video footage of the campaign, from pre-jump bombing of Wesel and Allied preparations across Europe to the actual jump.
“My Dutch comes in handy!
Dear Pearl,
I received your greeting about 3 days ago, but I was a bit busy, so I didn’t get to answer. You see, I won’t be able to answer everybody’s letters as soon as they arrive because of what I’m doing, but I know you understand all about that, so I shall say no more! I sure was glad to hear from you. You know – I bet every soldier, sailor, and marine… and the paratroops (ha ha) write just about the sam thing I just did, saying, ‘I sure was glad to hear from you!’ But gosh! Although they’re only 8 small words, they mean so ‘darn’ much. They mean more than anything else written on paper. It’s just that we can’t explain in writing how much that word ‘mail’ means, or those 8 words. Moreover, I doubt very much if there’s a word in the dictionary that can fully show our appreciation. So – ‘ thanks for writing.’ I do hope I hear more from you shortly.
I’m in the 17th Airborne Division. That’s right, the Division that made the ‘jump’ across the Rhine, and to think my Mother and father thought I was still back in the states. I guess they were surprised to hear about the jump. None of us are permitted to write about the jump in any respect, so I’ll have to tell you about it when I see you in good old ‘East Greenville.’ Ah boy! I can’t wait to get home! You know what I’ll do when I see you. You’ll get the longest and most sweetest kiss you ever received in your life. The same goes for Mother, Father, Sis… and (ahem), a few others. No kidding though that’ll be the happiest day in my life when I get to see all of you again.
‘Well, what do ya know!’ The other day we got a ‘break;’ so we found an old German wash machine. Well, we boys got together and build a fire, heated some water, put it in the old ‘washer’ and away she went. Yes indeed! In about a half an hour we rinsed the clothes and they werre ‘okay!’ Clean, but not pressed. Pressed clothing… that’s a hot one (ha ha) (that’s supposed to be a joke). The day I’ll have pressed clothing will be a couple hours after I get off the ‘gang-plank’ at New York. How about it?
By the way, tell Paul to write me a few lines, will you? I’m sure anxious to hear from him. You know – he’s another ‘swell’ fellow I’ll never forget. I sure have a swell relation! (Especially the Heimbachs)
Say! When you write, please tell me where Tommy is. I might be in the next town. Who knows?
In closing I might say I never felt better, as far as health is concerned and that’s the main thing!
As for now, So Long and God Bless You.
All my love,
Your Cousin,
(cut off)”
Letter 8: From Otto Fels, November 18, 1945, Wuppertal germany
News of Robert’s death on June 21, 1945 would have reached the Wolf and Heimbach families long before this final letter was received. It was written not by Robert, but by the father of a German girl whom the young American had fallen in love with.
Otto’s letter tells of “Russians” (more on this below) invading his home, and a struggle ensuing resulting in Robert’s fatal injuries. This is a much more detailed account than what is told in his obituary (below), which is likely why the Fels family felt obligated to tell Robert’s family the full story.
I do wish the address provided were more legible, as this would make it much easier to track this family down. One curious note about the Fels’s family address: it is listed as Wuppertal, which is about 85 km south of Wesel, where Robert is said to have been injured and died. Since the town of Wesel was essentially leveled by the Allied invasion, it is likely that the Fels’s were among the many Germans displaced by the campaign, causing them to move in the months between Robert’s death and the writing of the letter in November. The second address provided in the letter seems to be a military postal unit, which may have been needed to route the mail, or perhaps was the contact that enabled the Wolf family to bring Robert’s remains home.
“Dear Family Wolf,
Finally I have found the chance to come into connection with you.
I would like to tell you something about the death of your dear son Robert (Frankie). It is so very sorry for me and my family to write it to you.
Frankie came as an American Parachuter to our family. Afterwards he spent all his free time at my home, to see my daughter Ilka. He felt so very well with my family, that wife and I could not forbid my daughter and Frankie to see each other.
We all learned to love him as a very good boy. Once a night, Frankie and his friend Stevie had been again with us. Suddenly the house was invaded by Russians and during the following struggle, Frankie was badly wounded.
Everything had been done to safe his life. Daily my daughter had been in the hospital until 10 minutes before his death.
I only can write to you, that the death of your son has made us so sorry, as if it would have been our own son.
He always ask us, why must he die, and why must it come in such a manner, two days before the American troops left us, and the Britans came in.
We never can forget Frankie and those beautiful hours we had together.
During his sickness, he always spoke to my daughter about his beloved Father, Mother and sister.
Maybe you are astonished to get such a letter from me, but I think, you will be interested to hear something about the last days of your child.
I am at your disposal as to a detailed information about this matter and awaiting your reply.
I am dear family yours sincerely
Otto Fels
Our address is Wuppertal – NA, Linderhauserste (?) 4 Germany
Please need this address:
E.M. Dickehage
40115 Inf Bde H.Q
Postal Unit B.A.O.R.“
Robert’s Death & Burial
One of the most interesting and rewarding things about genealogical research is collecting family stories, putting them on trial, and finding where fact ends and legend begins. Robert’s story is an interesting one because it has been told two different ways and we may never know exactly who inflicted Robert’s fatal wounds.
If we follow Otto’s first hand account, it is easy to imagine that a local German, perhaps even a Nazi sympathizer, took great offense to this American soldier courting a German girl. It may have even been a fellow American, incensed at the notion of a fellow soldier fraternizing with the “enemy.” It is no stretch, with the tension and brutality of this war, to imagine that someone with a great hatred or fear of their courtship may have entered the home with the exact intention of removing poor Robert altogether.
What is odd about Otto’s account is that he clearly states the offender was a Russian. Yet, this plainly makes no sense. First, Wuppertal, Germany is a tremendous distance from Russia. And what reason would a Russian have had for being in Germany when the Russians were defending their own front? Second, Russia was an enemy of Germany, not America, during the war. Unless there is a large portion of this story omitted that would have made the Fels family a target of the Russians (and that is a stretch), I feel that the nationality of the attacker is likely incorrect. Perhaps this individual wanted to be mistaken for a Russian, and donned a disguise.
The US Army does not provide any details to fill in the blanks.
The following is from US Field Hospital Admission Card Files:
Name: Robert Wolf
Gender: Male
Race: White (includes Mexican) (White)
Rank: Enlisted Man (includes Aviation Cadet or Student)
Admission Age: 19
Birth Date: 1926
Admission Date: Jun 1945
Discharge Date: Jun 1945
Discharge Place: Field Hospital
Military Branch: Infantry, Parachute Units
Military Unit: 4
Diagnosis: Wound(s), perforating (points of entrance and exit) with no nerve or artery involvement; Location: Large intestine: Hepatic and/or splenic flexure of colon or transverse colon; Location: Pulmonary arteries; CausativeAgent: Bullet, Missile Not Stated; Diagnosis: Other embolism, post traumatic
Type of Injury: Non-battle injury; InjuryType2: Injured handling firearms, ammunition, etc., on post or in camp (cleaning gun, on range, etc. by patient or others)
Medical Treatment: Colostomy (formation of artificial opening leading into the colon)
Length of Service: 6-12 mo.
Service Number: 33837433
Notes: None
From these hospital notes, it appears that Robert suffered significant injury to his colon, resulting in surgery and a colostomy. It is likely either the injury or surgery caused a pulmonary embolism, which may have been his ultimate cause of death.
Robert’s obituary simply states that he was on “guard duty in Wesel, Germany, when he was shot by an unidentified person.” There is no mention of the kindly German family who had taken him in as one of their own, or Ilka, or his friend Stevie.
We do learn more details of his service and training. Though it is unclear when exactly he arrived in Europe, he covered much ground across England, France, Belgium, and Germany. If, in addition to Operation Varsity, he had joined the 17th Airborne Division late in 1944, he may have been involved in the Battle of The Bulge, in which his much-admired Russell Thomas (Pearl’s future husband) also served.
Robert was initially buried in an American military cemetery in Margraten, Holland. Two years later, his remains returned home to Pennsylvania. He now rests in St. Paul’s Lutheran Cemetery in Red Hill alongside his parents and baby brother.
It is easy to wax poetic about Robert. Just a boy out of school, he was thrown into one of the history’s most hateful wars. Despite this, he took the time to write not only to his immediate family, but his cousins and aunts and uncles, too. He spoke positively about serving his country and having a fulfilling and meaningful life, even if he was just a “spoiled brat” who weighed very little (though that’s likely what made him a skilled paratrooper) and was not very book-smart. It is clear he was loved by his family and made the most out of whatever hand was dealt him. The tragedy is that he had so few years to make the most of.
Five years after Robert’s death, his family received his service pay of $500.
Compensation documentationRobert’s headstone at St Paul’s church in Red Hill, PARobert’s parents’ headstone at St Paul’s church in Red Hill, PARobert’s brother Kermit’s headstone at St Paul’s church in Red Hill, PAThe tiny family plot is in the first section of the newer cemetery, against the hedgerow and directly facing the church. Find A Grave lists the location as Section H, Row 18.
Parents: Abraham Lincoln & Rebecca (Nettles) Custer
Married: August 1, 1925
Children: Eleanor Grace
Born on September 15, 1900, Mabel Susan spent her whole life in East Greenville and Red Hill. A pioneer woman, she entered the teaching profession by the age of 19, graduated from “Westchester Normal School,” completing at least three years, and held multiple teaching certificates. In 1984, she was named a “Sustaining Member” of the Century Club of the Perkiomen School.
She married Russell Custer on August 1, 1925, after which she appears to have left the teaching profession for a simpler job as a sewer in the local dress factory. In 1930, the family lived at 319 State Street in East Greenville, and in 1940 they lived on West 3rd Street in Red Hill.
Mabel died on November 2, 1985 and is buried at Palm Schwenkfelder Church in Palm, PA.
Third grade photo of Mabel
Portrait of Mabel
Wedding of Mabel (far left) and Russell (far right) with Henry Sylvanus and Agnes (Schultz) Hunsberger (center) – August 1, 1925
Russell and Mabel
Marriage Certificate Mabel’s first teaching certificateMabel’s teaching certificate upon graduation
Parents: William and Susanna Schultz (maiden name also Schultz)
Married: October 21, 1899 in East Greenville, PA
Children: Mabel Susan*, Edna May, Daisy May, Maurice Schultz, Minnie Louisa, Daniel William
Henry Sylvanus was born on June 12, 1876 and spent nearly his whole life in East Greenville, PA. Henry’s WWI draft card describes him as being tall with a medium build, brown eyes and black hair. Fortunately for him, Henry was not called to serve in the war.
The 1880 census lists his occupation as laborer, and the 1900 census lists teamster.
Henry married Agnes Susanna Schultz on October 21, 1899. Agnes was born on March 26, 1875. She was a Schwenkfelder, daughter of William Schultz and Susanna Schultz (both her married and maiden name).
At the time of the 1910 census, the family lived at 231 Jefferson Street in East Greenville, and Henry was a ribbon weaver in a silk mill. By 1920, the family lived on a farm on Bally Road, where Henry was a dairy farmer and employed John Gauger. His life as a self-employed dairy farmer must not have been long, as the family was living at 438 Jefferson Street by 1930, and Henry had returned to work as a weaver in the silk mill.
Sometime after Agnes’s death on September 25, 1945, Henry remarried Jennie S Kriebel. Henry died on January 19, 1953 in Hatfield and is buried at Palm Schwenkfelder Church in Palm, PA.
Edna May was born on November 14, 1902. She married Adolph E Kockler (1893-1967) in 1925. Their children were Carl, Lucille, and Mae. She died on September 19, 1979 and is buried at Palm Schwenkfelder Church in Palm, PA.
Daisy May, twin of Edna May, lived only four days. She died on November 18, 1902 and is buried at Palm Schwenkfelder Church in Palm, PA.
Maurice Schultz was born on June 1, 1907 and married Dorothy Lillian Faust (1917-2008). Their son was Larry Maurice (1936-2013). Maurice was an air brake mechanic at the Mack manufacturing company. He died on May 30, 1977 and is buried at Palm Schwenkfelder Church in Palm, PA.
Minnie Louisa was born on March 13, 1913 and married Isaiah Hoffman Bittenbender (1910-1985) in 1931. Their children were Carl Henry, Roy Wayne, and Emil Ray, and Dale Owen. She died on June 16, 2007 and is buried at Palm Schwenkfelder Church in Palm, PA.
Daniel William was born on November 20, 1915 and married Ruth Mohr (1923-2010) on April 7, 1942. Their son was Paul. Daniel worked as a weaver in the Bally Ribbon Mill. He died on January 15, 1996 and is buried at Palm Schwenkfelder Church in Palm, PA.
Seated: Agnes & Henry Sylvanus Hunsberger. Standing, left to right: Edna, Maurice, Daniel. Minnie, Mabel.
Henry Sylvanus & Agnes’s photo and marriage announcement
Henry Sylvanus and his second wife, Jennie Kriebel
Children: Hannah, Susanna, Henry Sylvanus*, Mary Anna, Oswin, Sallie, Jessie, Lizzie, Horace
Josiah was born on September 2, 1847 in Salisbury Township, Lehigh County. He appears to have lived a simple life as a farmer around the border of Montgomery & Bucks Counties. He also seems to have been an active member of Tabor Methodist Church, where he was elected a trustee in 1901.
Josiah married Sarah Krauss on November 23, 1872. Sarah was a direct descendant of the Schwenkfelder immigrants to the area.
In a “Farmer’s Directory of Lehigh County,” an entry for Josiah reads as follows:
Hunsberger, Josiah (Sarah) 5ch farmer T 115a 3h lc B tel R2 Zionsville L Mil 41
Perhaps this can be interpreted to read in part that the couple had 5 children at the time, that Josiah was a farmer with 115 acres and 3 horses in Zionsville.
Josiah died on February 8, 1917, and Sarah on November 16, 1935. They are buried in the Bethesda Methodist Cemetery in Upper Hanover.
Children of Josiah and Sara
Hannah was born on July 2, 1873 and married Henry William Stahl (1870-1944) in 1896. Their children were Russell, Titus, Susie, Horace, Calvin, Ruth, Carrie, Daniel, Jesse, and Naomi. She died on August 5, 1953 and is buried at the Zion’s Church of the Evangelical Association Cemetery in New Berlinville.
Susanna was born on February 22, 1875 in Kraussdale, Bucks County, and married Charles Rothenberger (1873-1943) in 1895. Their children were Esther, Sylvanus, Russell, Helen, Charles, Stuart, Daniel, Estella, Lester, Jesse, Marion, and Florence. She died on May 20, 1950 and is buried at the Zion’s Church of the Evangelical Association Cemetery in New Berlinville.
Mary Anna was born on October 1, 1877 and died on January 7, 1904. She is buried at the Bethesda Methodist Cemetery in Upper Hanover.
Oswin was born on May 28, 1881 and died on May 7, 1893. He is buried at the Bethesda Methodist Cemetery in Upper Hanover.
Jesse was born in East Greenville on February 21, 1883, and died on March 19, 1883.
Sallie, Jesse’s twin, died on September 11, 1906 of Bright’s Disease at the age of 23. She worked as a tobacco stripper. She is buried at the Bethesda Methodist Cemetery in Upper Hanover.
Lizzie was born on August 26, 1887 and married Oswin Pflieger (1878-1968). Their children were Milton, Jesse, Foster, Arthur, Ralph, and an unnamed infant. She died on June 21, 1961 and is buried at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Red Hill.
Horace was born on March 15, 1889 and married Hannah Snyder (1892-1936). At the time of his death, he was a loom foreman / machinist at a tape manufacturer and lived at 215 Seminary Street in Pennsburg. He died on April 5, 1955 and is buried at the Pennsburg United Church of Christ Cemetery.
Parents: Abraham & Margaretha (Richart) Hunsberger
Spouse: Barbara Greiss
Born: August 1, 1820
Died: December 20, 1877
Parents:
Married:
Children: Henry, Rebecca, Josiah*, William, Louisa, Matilda, Mary Ann, Emalinda, and Sarah.
Jesse was born on August 10, 1818 and was a blacksmith by trade. A tax record from 1866 suggests he may have at least dabbled in selling cigars as well. He married Barbara Greiss, who was born on August 1, 1820. They lived in Lehigh County for much if not all their lives.
Jesse was drafted to the Union Army in the Civil War. He was a Private in the 51st Regiment of the Pennsylvania Infantry, Company K.
Jesse died on May 1, 1877, and Barbara died on December 20, 1877. They are buried at the United Church of Christ, Pennsburg.
Children of Jesse & Barbara
Henry was born in April 1843. Like his father, he was drafted to the Union Army in the Civil War. He was a Private in the 51st Regiment of the Pennsylvania Infantry, Company I. He was also a blacksmith by trade, and lived in Lehigh County. In 1866, Henry married Caroline Hagenbuch (1844-1918). Their children were Ellen and Mary. Henry’s death date and location of burial are unknown.
Rebecca was born around 1845. No other information is available.
William was born on December 16, 1849. He married Mary / Maria Fox (1846-1931), daughter of Israel & Catarina Fox, and sister of John Fox. William died September 15, 1920.
Louisa was born on December 16, 1852. She married William Eschbach (1853-1939), and they had a son, Francis. Louisa died on April 8, 1912 in Chester County.
Matilda was born around 1855. No other information is available.
Mary Ann was born on August 1, 1858. She married Jonathan Smith, and their children were Nora and Eva. She died on February 21, 1926 and is buried at Christ Union Cemetery in Niantic.
Emalinda was born on April 15, 1861. She married Irwin Brey (1853-1939) in 1878. Their children were Maggie, Charles, Claude, John, Hattie, Allen, and Robert. She died on February 16, 1935 and is buried in Emmaus.
Sarah was born around December, 1864. No other information is available.
Though Husnberger does not appear to be a wildly common name in Pennsylvania in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, it does seem that very many of the Hunsberger men were named Abraham. One different Abraham Hunsberger, who lived before this one and served in the Revolutionary War, was such a talented and jovial singer that his British captors simply let him go.
Due to the prevalence of this name, we will never know if it is truly this Abraham Hunsberger who is listed on early census and tax records that, at the time, only listed names and no other identifying information.
Several records mention that Abraham was born in Virginia. Indeed, there are a number of Hunsbergers buried in Virginia listed on findagrave.com to back up this possibility.
Whether he was born in Virginia or Pennsylvania on January 25, 1793, by 1797 it appears that he was in Lehigh County, PA. He was baptized at the Upper Milford Reformed Church in Zionsville (now known as Zionsville Reformed Church) on November 5, 1797. This span of time between birth and baptism does lend some credence to the possibility that the family may have been moving around quite a bit, perhaps from Virginia to Pennsylvania.
By the 1810 census, Abraham, his parents, and a brother and sister lived in Frederick, PA. On the same census page also appears an Isaac Hunsberger. In 1824, a tax record lists two Abraham Hunsbergers as well as a Henry Hunsberger living in Hilltown, Bucks County. Again, all of this is only true if the records are for the correct Abraham.
Abraham was a farmer by trade. He married Margaretha Richart, who was born in Lehigh County, PA on January 17, 1787. By the 1830 census, they were living in Lehigh County, and it appears that here the family settled.
Margaretha died on February 15, 1849. Abraham died of dropsy on April 6, 1860, after a year of illness. His death is in the records of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Allentown (perhaps the large stone church still standing on South 8th Street).
Children of Abraham & Margaretha
Elizabeth was born on March 18, 1817 in Lehigh County. She married George Esser, and died on January 10, 1904 in Carbon County, PA.
Mary was born on March 11, 1823 in Lehigh County. She married Charles Eckert, and died on March 4, 1898 in Allentown.
Abraham was born on October 27, 1826 in Allentown. At some point in his life, he moved to Ohio. He married Mary Ann Bacher (1824-1887) in 1848, and after her death remarried Susan Lambertson (1846-1915) in 1888.
Matilda was born on February 1, 1829 and died on April 2, 1838.
Leaves on the Tree 