The First Reunion

 

The high temperature in Cleveland Sunday, August 31, 1924 was 92, the low was 71.  Despite the heat, more than 60 adults and their children gathered to celebrate family.  Clamor Ludwig Victor Brueggemann known as “Lewis” passed away in 1909.  Born in Germany, where he married his first wife, who bore him 3 children before passing away, and then a second wife, he moved his entire family to Cleveland, Ohio.  Lewis’ second wife bore 5 more children for him.  By 1924, only 3 of his children were still living.  Some of his grandchildren had already passed away.  However, the living children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, as well as the widows of his children and grandchildren, gathered.  

The pamphlet in the photograph had been passed out.  We still have a few copies, including one that many of our ancestors signed.  The front is navy with a white rectangle and the words “Reunion of the Brueggemanns” surrounding a picture of Lewis and the dates 1816-1924.  The dates correspond with Lewis' birthdate and the current year. Clearly, it was felt that he family was tied to Lewis (1816 is his birth year) and continues past his death (which was in 1909). The back has a family tree with all the current information.  

Lewis lived from 1816-1909.  Both of his wives had passed away (1854 and 1889), his children: Gerhard (1867); Marie Louise (1918);  Johann Frederick (1909);  Anna Marie Ilsebein (1917); Anna Louise (1915); and Louis Henry (1922).  Lewis' three youngest children were still with us in 1924: Ernst August, Sophia and Johann Martin.

Lewis’ eldest surviving son, Ernst August, called a meeting to order.  I imagine Ernst August, a retired pastor, now living in Akron, Ohio, was viewed as the patriarch of the family.  Ernst August’s nephew, Rudolph (Louis Henry’s eldest son), was appointed Rudolph secretary and in charge of keeping records.  Martin, Lewis’ youngest son who was a pastor in Memphis, Tennessee, addressed the meeting.  Though the minutes do not give information on what was said, I would assume that Martin told the family, about his 3 grown children, with a new grandchild from Otis a few months prior and one due in a few weeks with Vernon.  He may also have passed on news from Sophia, who lived in Pensacola, Florida at the time as the two were close, both in age and in their relationship.

William Bennhoff, who traveled from Ft. Wayne, Indiana, spoke next, from the Maria Louise line.  William was followed by Otto Huseman, of the Anna Louise line in St. Louis.  Theodore Barlag (Anna Marie Ilsbien branch), whose home was La Porte, Indiana spoke next, followed by William Keske, also of the Anna Marie Ilsbien branch, who lived in Cleveland.  William was an outlaw, married to Ottilie Barlag, yet Ernst August credited him for getting the reunion started.  The Keskes had 10 children, 8 of whom were alive for this reunion.  The eldest surviving child was born in 1905 and the youngest in 1916. I imagine 2 people spoke from that branch because there was family from Indiana and family from Ohio.

Fred Brueggemann, of the Johann Frederick Branch, then spoke, followed by Rudolph.

Walter Bischoff, and his wife Emma (Ernst August’s daughter) served as treasurer.  The group chose the last Sunday in August for the next reunion, in 1925.

At the end of the meeting, the family sang “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” and the Doxology before having a collection.  After the collection they sang “My Country “Tis of Thee” and said the Lord’s prayer.

The minutes mention multiple times that members of the family would like to continue the reunion.  I’d like to think they’d be pleased that 101 years later we’re STILL gathering, STILL trying to pass on our values, keep our relationships strong and just plain getting caught up.  One tradition that’s very clearly still a part of us:  Once you’re a Brueggemann, you remain a Brueggemann!  Otherwise, Gerhard’s widow, who had remarried, would not be there with her new husband and child!  We still respect those in the generations ahead of us, we still pass on our history and our records.  Over the years it’s struck me how similar we behave to our ancestors. . .  we help each other where we can.  We sign in while talking to a cousin (you can tell by the order of the sign ins), we forget to sign in and the secretary adds what they remember.  We still look forward to next year, gathering with our dear family.  There’s so much more that we still do, but I’ll leave that for other blog posts.

The names written in the pamphlet are:  M. Brueggeman, Mrs. M Brueggeman, Wm F Bennhoff, Alvina Bennehoff, Elsie Bennehoff, Eugense Bennhoff, Arnold Bennhoff, Ruth Bennhoff, Lawrence Lindenberg, Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Wischmeier, Mrs. Mary Bennhoff, Mr. and Mrs. Paul Bennhoff, Mr and Mrs. Harold Darkow, Selma Brueggeman, Martin Staas, Alvina Staas, Lucia Staas, Cornelia Brueggemann, William Brueggemann, Emil Brueggemann, Dorthy Fuetteur, Hubert Fitch, Fred Albers, Martha Albers (Gerhart’s widow’s family), Karl L Brueggeman, Walter Bischoff, Emma Bischoff, Julia Birth, Otto Birth, Edwin Barlag, Mary Barlog, Otto Krausman, Fred Stoll, Pauline Stoll, Walter Brueggeman, Elmer, Walther Wafel, Pearl Wafel, Paul Wafel, Walther Wafel Jr, Ralph Wafel, JH Wafel, Minnie Brueggemann, Meta Marie Brueggemann, Louise Brueggemann, Fred Brueggemann, Lila Brueggemann, Alice Brueggeman, Rudolph Brueggeman, Ruth Brueggeman, Linda Heil, Edward Heil, Ed Brueggeman,  and Dora Brueggeman.

Of all the people who signed the pamphlet, I have only failed to place the Wafels in the family tree.  If anyone can help solve the mystery, I'd be greatly appreciative!

After attending almost 50 reunions, I can almost picture this gathering.  I'm sure there was food, laughter, and hugs.  Cousins were running rampant having a blast.  There would have been delight in our ancestors' eyes as they saw cousins, siblings, loved ones who traveled so far.  I know that would be there, because it still exists.  Rudolph kept these records for us, which have been passed on from secretary to secretary until they landed in my hands.  My dear cousins, I pray we tell this rich history to our grandchildren.  We have cousins who sit with their son to create a tree and a beautiful blog.  We have cousins who traveled to Germany to learn more about our family.  Letters, now in my possession for safe-keeping were written about the reunion in the 1930's, 1970's, 1980's.  We now text, Facebook, call, e-mail and write each other about the reunions.  Lewis started something incredibly beautiful with so many amazing descendants.  I hope, over time, to share more and more of our history.  I hope to share about individuals and the trends that still permeate our family.  It is an honor to have all this information at my fingertips.  That honor demands that I share.  Thank you for entrusting me with our records.

101st BRUEGGEMANN ANNUAL REUNION INFORMATION

 Hello, cousins!

This year's reunion is JULY 14 from 11:00 - we leave.  We eat at 12:30.  If you did not receive a flyer, PLEASE let me know so I can fix your address!

Our hotel block is at the Sheraton Suites, Akron Cuyahoga Falls.  Here's a link to book.  YOU MUST BOOK BY JUNE 12 TO GET THE RATE!

https://www.marriott.com/event-reservations/reservation-link.mi?id=1701196769738&key=GRP&app=resvlink

I am looking forward to seeing you all!  This year we'll have a few faces we haven't seen in decades!  Marie's Branch -- she became a Bennhoff -- Emma clan.  Some Wischmeiers!  I'm so glad that we'll get to see them.  John has some video from early reunions, which is priceless.

Please join us if you can.

Love,

Christina

Grandparents!

My daughter, Catherine, with my mother, Marti in front of Schmidt's Sausage Haus in German Village, Columbus, Ohio.  

Grandparents are a wonderful thing in this world.  My parents are close to our four children (their only grandchildren).  My children can convince them to do things they'd NEVER do with me or my brother.  My mom makes silly faces, my dad will wear princess hat or a flamingo hat (for some reason, my youngest adores putting hats on grandpa).

My grandmother, Esther Grelle Brueggeman, lived with us part time (Christmas break and summer).  Grandma B would let my brother and I give her pop-a-wheelies in her wheel chair when we pushed her.  She also let us ride in it when she was sitting in her chair.  She freely shard her crist-o-mint lifesavers.  I don't remember Grandma before she was in a wheelchair (I do remember the 3 tiered candy dish in her dining room and my cousins trying to convince me to sled down her stairs, but I'm a big chicken and their was a turn on those steep, old stairs. . .).  I'm the youngest of the grandkids.

My older cousins remember more.  Susan remembers Grandma coming over after church every Sunday for a meal.  Grandma spent a lot of time petting Sweetie-pie the cat.  Grandma laughed a lot and would bake something (like pecan rolls) every time Susan or her sister did something spectacular (like bowling.  they were amazing at bowling).

It's the small joys with grandparents.  They look at us as if we're magical and we just KNOW they love us.  My father never knew is grandparents.  I wonder how Ernst August would have doted on my dad.  

1931 was a very odd year. The 8th reunion.

Only 27 people gathered for the 8th reunion on July 19, 1931 in South Euclid, Ohio. Otis Brugge is the first of Martin’s descendants to appear in the big book.  The notes from that meeting say that Otis F. Brugge (from Cleveland Mississippi) was guest of honor and was given an autographed souvenir.  

Three of the 27 were not descendants (or married into) of Clamor, leaving 24 relatives gathered).  Edwin and Esther Grelle Brueggeman’s niece, Helen Brand (Alma Grelle Brand’s daughter from Seymour, Indiana) and Ernst August and Emma Long Brueggeman’s niece and nephew, Edwin and Margaret Miller (Emma’s side) were in attendance.  All others were from the Akron/Cleveland area.

In 1931, the Great Depression was affecting americans.  Herbert Hoover was president and the Empire State Building was completed just months before our reunion.  Albert Einstein was doing research, Edison applied for his last patent.  The Star Spangled Banner was accepted as our national anthem.  Prohibition was still in force.  There was a huge drought.  The polio epidemic was growing, the Iron Lung was developed in 1931.  

The only children present were the Krausman Children (Russell, Ernst and Marie).  In many cases, only the husband/father of families was present.  There is nothing in the meeting notes to explain the attendance.  Rudolph did not, as he has in the past, add names to the sign in.

Edwin and Esther Brueggeman had 3 young children at the time, who did not attend.  According to Joyce Vaseliv, Marjorie Brueggeman’s daughter in law, either Marjorie or Lois told her that the three children (Edwin, Marjorie and Lois) were sent to Seymour, Indiana where Esther’s family was during the polio epidemic.  Susan Young, Lois’ daughter does not remember Lois telling her that, nor does James, their younger brother who was not born yet.  Neither Susan nor James discounted the potential.  I am still waiting to hear from Carolyn (their sister who is still living, Donna (Lois’ daughter) and Marjorie’s children.  I do know Marjorie told Joyce many stories of her childhood.  Lois also talked to Joyce, and to me (her niece) about her childhood often.  Someone MUST have been watching the three children, though and I am assuming it was Alma Grelle Brand, Helen’s mother and Esther’s sister.  With so few children there, I am assuming that the family was concerned about the spread of polio and were protecting their children.  It would make sense, given Joyce’s account, that Alma and Helen took Edwin, Marjorie and Lois back to Seymour with them and Alma watched the children so Edwin and Esther could gather with family.  

James thought the polio epidemic would not be in play because he remembers it.  He had once told me of a neighbor who was paralyzed from polio and that they weren't allowed to swim locally because of polio.  I’m writing this in January of 2024, just after the Covid pandemic.  The first two years of Covid were definitely long and draining.  Covid is not as deadly as it was at first.  I can’t imagine a disease that cripples children lasting so long.  I do understand wanting to protect your loved ones from the disease so much that you isolate as our whole country did that for years.

As attendance patterns are emerging (I haven't looked past the 8th reunion yet, so this is based on a very small sample), which relatives attended and did not attend.  Families with small children who were at the past three reunions and lived locally did not attend.  Older members of the family who had not previously attended were present.  I imagine many conversations about how to safely gather given the polio epidemic.

It is interesting, too, that Otis appears alone from Cleveland, Mississippi.  At this point I have no idea if he traveled alone or with his family.  At the time, he had a wife and young children. Linda’s son from a previous marriage, Edward Bond (1917),  Peggy (1924), Otis (1926), and Martin (April 30, 1931, so he would have been less than 3 months old).  It’s hard to imagine traveling such a distance at the time with young children.  Perhaps another artifact will shed light (we do have many letters).

The Big Book and the 5th reunion.

 Ernst August Brueggeman brought a Deposit Journal to the 5th reunion.  He was the first to sign in to the reunion that year, or ever. He wrote his name, birthdate and address.  A total of 82 people signed the book, most for themselves, but some for their children.  For 95 years we've followed their lead (though we no longer sign our birthdates, we've added the clan, phone numbers, email addresses.

When I was a child, one of my favorite things about the reunion was that book, which my family always called "the Big Book," because, well,  it's BIG.  I felt so grown when I wrote my own name in the book.  I loved looking back at other years to see who was there.

Now that I am secretary for our family, I get to REALLY study the big book.  I've wanted to get the pages on ancestry and have a spreadsheet of all who have signed our book.  I started yesterday.  The 5th reunion covered 2 1/2 pages.  The third page also had notes on the meeting.  I took photos of each page and uploaded them to Ernst August's gallery on ancestry, tagging each person on the page.  I started a spreadsheet and have the name and birthdate in alphabetical order (I didn't add addresses, which I may regret later).  

Seven of the nine original branches were represented.  As I type this, the very last name entered, Eugene Victor Brueggeman, is still with us.  He is the only cousin still with us who attended that reunion.

As I was typing in the names, I couldn't help but be struck by who signed with whom, the birthdates, and which ones wrote for their families rather than having each sign their own names.  Clearly, a 2 year old wouldn't write their own names.  I don't see my grandmother's name, but my grandfather was there with three of his children. His name and my aunt Lois' name (she would have been the youngest at the time) are in the same handwriting as Emma Louise.  My grandfather and aunt don't have their birthdates or addresses, so I'm assuming ing Emma signed them in.Two pages later, my uncle Eddie and Aunt Margie are signed in, with Uncle Eddie's birthdate (no year, just the city and state for the address and Aunt Margie's birthdate and address blank.  They are in the same handwriting, which matches Emma's on the other page.  The only other names on that page are Rudolph Brueggemann, his wife Ruth, and their two boys:  Clifford and Eugene.  Those are in the same penmanship as the meeting notes, signed by R.F. Brueggemann (I assume Rudolph).

Throughout the pages, there are some immediate family signing together,  and cousins, etc who were signing together.  I can only assume it was much like our current reunions. . . you see a cousin, talk to them and sign the book.  Names were added because, well, we get distracted and we knew they were there.  You write all the information you can for you brother, your nieces, your parents. . . but the bulk of your time is not making sure paperwork is done, it's enjoying relatives you don't see nearly often enough.

No one came from Sophie or Martin's line.  That makes sense, though, because Sophie's family would have been in Pensacola while Martin's family was in Memphis.  In 1928 it would be hard, on a pastor's salary, to bring your family to Ohio for a one day event.  

As I find time, I'll be photographing, tagging and adding to my spreadsheet.  I can't wait to see our family grown and change!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS! SAVE THE DATE AND HOTEL INFO

 Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, Happy Chanukah, Happy Kwanza and any other holiday you celebrate!

Dear Cousins, you should receive a greeting in the mail (if I have your address) soon, as I'm taking 360 to the post office later today.  It includes the date for the 101st Reunion.(July 14, 2024) as well as hotel block information.

This year I made a block at the Sheraton Akron Cuyahoga Falls.  Not only are the Fioccas ( Ernst August, Elmer Clan) part owners of the hotel, it's also supposed to be beautiful.  Many of our relatives (not all, I know) live closer to the hotel than the last, which should make visiting before/after the reunion easier.  The rate runs from Friday, July 12 to Monday July 15.  You must book by JUNE 12 to get the rate.  Here's the link:

Brueggemann Family Reunion Hotel Block

In the new year I hope to work on the photo album from the 100th reunion, keep researching our family, and post stories about different members of our family.  If you have a story you'd like to share, PLEASE email me (brueggemanreunion@gmail.com).  As always, I'll be updating addresses, too!

Looking forward to seeing you in July! 

Clan Pictures: Louis Henry Edward

 

Descendants of Louis Henry's son, Edward:  Back row:

Edward and Helene with their children, 

John, Helen and Billie

Louis Henry's life is briefly discussed in the last post.  His son, Edward, was born October 14, 1894 in Cleveland, Oho. Edward served in the Army from April 13, 1917.  He was sent with Battery C, 135th Field Artillery on the U.S.S. Vermont March 12, 1919 to Brest, France as a Private PF.  His honorable discharge is dated April 11, 1919.  In the 1920 census, he was 25 years old, living with his parents and siblings in Cleveland.  He worked as a Tinner Keeper in the Ball Bearing industry.  He married Helene, who was born in Czechoslovakia, October 11, 1922.  By 1930, Edward and Helene lived at 319  Glen Park, Bay Village with 3 children (John, Helen and Billie). The 3 bedroom, 1 bath home is about a block from the Lake Erie shore.   Edward was working as an accountant in the clothing industry.  By 1950, Edward was an accountant with Public Accounting Offices.  Edward passed away November 2, 1952.

Clan Pictures: Louis Henry Rudolph

 

Descendants of Rudolph:  Lori Brueggemann, 

Gary Brueggemann, Louise Brueggemann.

Louis Henry Brueggemann was born 12/31/1861 in Cleveland Ohio.  He married Wilhelmina Caroline "Minnie" Hawke October 11, 1888.  His first child, Louis Henry, was born October 3, 1889 and died October 28, 1889.  His daughter, Meta (who will have her own post soon) appeared in 1890,  followed by Rudolph, Edward, Cornelia and William.  

Louis Henry's son, Rudolph, was born October 13, 1882.  When Rudolph was 21, the city directory listed him as a civil engineer.  He resided with his parents (his father is listed as a cutter) at 2034 W 93rd NW. Rudolph served in WWI with the 472 Engineers from October 26, 1918 until he was honorably discharged as a Private December 24, 1918.  At 29 years old, he wed 22 year old Laura Ruth Stokes on October 6, 1922.  The Brueggemann's had four sons:  Clifford, Eugene, Thomas, and David.  In 1938, The Brueggemann family lived at 555 Osborn Road in Bay Village.  The census shows him listed as the President of Painting Co.  The 1940 census indicates that Rudolph's education was complete with 2 years of high school.  Ruth finished all 4 years.  In 1942 he lost his 13 year old son, Thomas.  By 1950, Rudolph and Ruth lived at 1189 210th.  He owned a business that provided decorative painting.  By 1958, the Brueggemann's were in Rocky River.  At the time of his death (July 5, 1969), they resided in Lakewood.

Rudolph and Laura Brueggemann

Clan Pictures Ottilie from the Anna Marie Ilsebein (Maria) Branch

 

Ottilie and Fred Barlag

The picture above are the descendants of Anna Marie Ilsebein Brueggemann.  Left to right:  Hannah Oswick, Barbara Keske-Fronczak, Brennan Oswick, Kristin Oswick.

Anna Marie Ilsbein (Elizabeth) Brueggemann (Maria) was bron August 18, 1855 in Hannover, Niedersahen, Germany.  She came to the United States with her father, Clamor, arriving in 1858.  On December 22, 1870 Maria married Friedrich John Barlag and remained in the Cleveland area.  Fred and Maria had 7 children:  Ludwig; Theodore, Ottilie, Louise, Anna, Frederick and Edwin.  Theodore, Ottilie, Fred, Louise and Edwin lived to adulthood.  The 1910 census shows Maria living with her husband and three children:  Julia, Fred and Edwin. 

She passed away March 14, 1917 at the age of 61.  Her daughter, Ottilie Keske was the administratrix of the estate, which was settled on October 3, 1918.  Probate records indicate that Ottilie wanted her estate to be divided equally among her children.  The record indicates that her son Fred was also the guardian for his father, Fred Barlag Sr.

Ottilie was born December 13, 1876 in Cleveland.  On June 17, 1901 she married William Fredrick Keske.  The Keskes remained in the Cleveland area.  Their first children (twins!), were born January 4, 1902.  Unfortunately, Justine passed away that same day and baby Ottilie the next day.  Edmund, William, Cornelia, Walter, Louise, Paul, Arthur and Robert were all born by 1916.  

The 1910 Census has the Keskes living at 1830 Corning Avenue, SW in Cleveland.  It is now a 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom 1024 square foot bungalow in the Tremont area.  It is one of the smaller homes on the street.  County records also show the home being built that year. While both Frederick and Ottilie were born in Germany, they both spoke English and could read and write.  Frederick was employed as a Bookkeeper at Steel and Wire Co.  By 1920, the family lived at, and owned, a house Wood Street, Euclid, Ohio and Fred was a clerk at the Steel Co.  By 1940, the Keskes were living in South Euclid (I assume the street and town name changed, that they did not move again).  The 1940 census indicates that both Ottilie and Fred had an 8th grade education.

Fred and Ottilie remained in South Euclid until her death on Aril 4, 1959.

GROUP PICTURE AND SAVE THE DATE!

Dear Cousins,

One hundred sixty one cousins signed the book.  Last year we had about 83 cousins in attendance.  We sure showed up!

Our 101st Reunion will be JULY 14, 2024 at Wingfoot Lake State Park, Pinetree Lodge, in Mogodore, Ohio.  We will gather officially at 11.  There will be a hotel block, I'll update you with that information when it's made.

I can not express the joy I had at the reunion.  10 of 11 Ernst August clans were present (I have no addresses for Linda's clan).  We had a Sophia Alexander descendant (shout out, Fred Reinhardt for being so brave!  It had to be intimidating to be the only representative of an entire branch!).  We also had two Louis Henry clans (Edward and Rudolph) present and a Mary Louise Elizabeth (Ottillie clan) join us.

It has only been a day, but I am inundated with the messages from our cousins, who had a great time.  I've seen several post to their more immediate family, inviting them to join us.  It was, for me, the most beautiful reunion I can recall.  

Cousins, if you weren't there, you were sorely missed.  I know that sounds silly since there were so many of us, but I know I looked around wishing there were faces I haven't seen in too long present.  I was overjoyed to meet so many that I've only talked to (or typed to), and I also wished some were able to be with us.  We, certainly, understand that life happens and prevents us from doing things we'd like to do, and we hope you join us next year (or soon).

There's so much I want to say, so many pictures to share.  I won't be home until the end of the week.  My husband and children will need me to be very present for them, so I won't share as quickly as I'd like, but I will share.

Cousins, we were a true family.  So many people helped in so many ways.  Many of them were present with us, but even those who couldn't make it helped make our vision a reality.  Inviting each other, those that you miss and would like to see, showing up, that's the biggest thing!

Oh, and if anyone knows who made the curry side dish, could you please contact me?  I'd love the recipe!

We are abundantly blessed.

Love,

Christina

 

This is going to be a BIG one! A new Saturday thing!

A century of gathering once a year is a mighty celebration.  This year there is more excitement than I've seen in a very long time about our reunion.  We're filling more than 10% of an Embassy Suites!  Cousins are coming from so many states I've lost track (and some from other countries).  We're looking forward to seeing those we are close to, and to getting to know those we don't know as well.

On Saturday, there will be a conference room at the Embassy Suites open from 9 am to 11 pm.  I will have the family artifacts there (including the big sign in book if you wan't to look for someone's signature), photos, and the posters I've made explaining the family.  I'll also have a deck of cards and someone to smile and greet you.  If you need a place to meet up, you're welcome there.  

Hopefully, having the pictures, sign in book, other artifacts available the day before will cut down on the crowd near them during the reunion.  We will have significantly more cousins gathering this year, so I'm thinking crowd control.  What a wonderful thought!

Cousins have called to let me know they can't make it this year.  Some have said they'll be joining us next year.  I'm so glad!  I've attended about 45 reunions.  When I was young, there were people I knew I'd see that I only saw once a year (Bob with his cigars, bunnies, pride and joy was certainly one of many I looked forward to seeing).  Every time my Uncle Billy chose me as his partner in the water balloon toss was special (I was horrible at it and Uncle Billy liked to win, it was a true show of affection!).  Some of the cousins I looked forward to seeing annually are no longer with us on earth, and the reunion is no less special for me.  There are still cousins I look forward to seeing each year, and there are cousins I wish I saw each year but see randomly.

The before and after the reunion were also important in my younger days and still are.  Having my closer cousins drive up, stay with my parents, talk before hand, gather before and after brings such joy.  I'm hoping that having the room available to gather at the Embassy Suites leads to laughter and a deeper sense of family love and support, a deeper sense of our amazing family!