I am searching for info on my greatgrandfather Alois (later known as Louis) Stifter. He was born Jun 19th 1887 in Styria ( he called it Steiermark). His mother was Elizabeth Stifter and his father was Anton Postuschung. Alois was illegitimate. He was a baker and moved from Austria to Switzerland ( I don't know when) went to work for Heinrich Hotz in a bakery and moved to Canada (in 1911, Emma went with him) and then married Emma Hotz, Heinrichs daughter, (in 1912). I would like to know where in Styria Alois is from and where in Switzerland he moved to (Emma was born in the Canton of Zurich so I am guessing Alois moved somewhere around there, I do not know the town). Any info is appreciated greatly. Emma had all but been forgotten as she died at the age of 49 and Alois remarried, and most people only remembered the 2nd wife, Lydia Richter. IF it is helpful Alois died in Toronto in 1966 and he and Emma had three children while living in Woodridge, Manitoba- Erna, Rose and Bert (real name Oscar Henry). I also know Alois and Emma sailed from Bristol England to Canada. Alois is listed on the Canadian passenger list as Kyler Alvis.

Alois was Catholic if that helps. Emma- Reformed Church.

I've been doing research on my grandfather Paul Hotz of Winnipeg Manitoba and happened to came across Emma's and Alois marriage record on Manitoba Vital Statistics website. I'm not sure if theres any connection to my side of Hotz family as I don't know very much but I thought I'd share this with you.

http://vitalstats.gov.mb.ca/ListView.php

Thank you. It was from this document that I learned the regions where they were born. I wish they had listed the towns. I was surprised to learn they had married here and not in Switzerland. It was originally hard to find this document as it was listed as Elvis Shifter. It was only once I found out Emma's name that I found this document. I don't know if Emma had any siblings. Good luck in your search:)-Kate