I have an Ev Lutheran church record from GIEKAU, Germany, typed in 1983 for a family member in the service in Germany, which says the parents of Friederich Ehler of Satjendorf, b 220 June 1789, were Jochim Ehler of Satjendorf and Catharina Moeller. Also the parents of Friederich's wife Christina Wilhelmina (Osbahr) Ehler, b 14 Sept, 1797, were Friederich Osbahr of Emkendorf and Christina Malena Schneklot. After it lists Friederich and Christina Ehler's mar date and children and bdates, it documents the marriage of their eldest, Elsabe Cathrina Ehlers to Claus Repenn 7 Mar, 1840, and thier first five children. Other sources say Friederich, Christina, at least the youngest five of their sons and dau Cathrina and Claus Repenn immigrated here June, 1853. Has anyone found Emkendorf, Satjendorf or Giekau on a map yet? I found two Emkendorfs and don't know which one is ours...Has anyone found their immigration info? (ship, etc) I searched, but nothing yet.
The Ehlers and Claus Repenns appear in the census in 1856 in Deep Creek twp, Clinton co, Iowa, again in 1860. In 1870 only Fredeick is in hh of son Frederick, same twp, presume Christina died. Has anyone found their graves in cemeteries nearby? I have searched some. not found.
Claus and Catherine (Ehler) Repenn had three more daughters in Clinton co, including my ancestor, Eliza 9 Oct, 1859. Two of their sons, Henry and John, served in the Civil War. Claus Repenn owned farmland in Deep Creek twp. Another resident of Deep Creek Twp was John Repenn, two years younger than Claus, also b Holstein, possibly a brother. Anyone find further info on this man?
Feb 1871 Claus bought 160 a in Sheridan twp, Poweshiek co, and the family moved there. Henry Repenn came too, as did Frederick, Carl and George Ehlers, Catharine's brothers.
Claus Repenn died 28 Oct, 1900 and Catherin died 15 Mar, 1904, both bur out of St John's Lutheran ch, Maple Grove cem, Columbia twp, Tama co.
Their daughter Eliza wed Paul Jochims 7 Feb, 1879.
Anyone working on this line back into Germany, please email me or post a message so we can cooperate. RuthAnn