Available records change with Ferdinand and Henrietta as only their Birth/Baptism records are found within the St. Cyriakus church books. US Census records are generally easy to find since they start in 1900. 1800s marriage records are few and far between and death records are seemingly non-existent.

To my knowledge, they are the first family members to immigrate to the United States. However, there were other families from Schmerlecke whom had already made the journey - Siedhoff for sure.

It appears that Ferdinand completes his required Prussian military service, possibly as a Calvaryman, and emigrates to the America in 1885. I’m actively searching for military records and a passenger list.

In 1887, he returns to Schmerlecke to retrieve Henrietta and Bertha and a passenger list shows that they, as well as Henrietta’s brother Kasimir, emigrate to America on October aboard the SS Noordland.

Ferdinand and Henrietta are married on November 1st, 1887 in David City, Nebraska.

They start farming in David City and relocate to Crete later in life. I’m working on locating the farms and determining how he and his brother Heinrich interacted in personal and working capacities.

1900 US Census: Ferdinand [43] and Henrietta [36] are living/farming in Crete. Four kids are attending school and three are at home age 4, 2, and 1.

1910 US Census: Ferdinand [53] and Henrietta [46] are living/farming in Crete. Anna, Clemens, and Joseph work on the farm. Seven other children are attending school or too young and at home.

1920 US Census: Ferdinand [63] and Henrietta [56] are living/farming in Pierce. The seven youngest children are listed, but the occupation field is blank.

1930 US Census: Ferdinand [73] and Henrietta [66] are living in Madison with Albertine [28] and Katherine Alfreda [21]. No occupation is listed, so I presume they are retired.

Per news articles and his obituary, in 1937 aged 80, Ferdinand is hit by a truck succumbs to his injuries which are exacerbated by pneumonia.

1940 US Census: Henrietta [76] and Albertine [37] are living in Madison.

1950 US Census: Henrietta [86] and Albertine [48] are living in Madison.

Seemingly, Albertine is Henrietta’s lifelong companion. I’m curious what becomes of her when Henrietta dies in 1955.

Family history says Henrietta had a reputation of “being a force” and well respected.