The Christian Albrecht Keller & Wilhelm Weiss Families ... - Purfeerst

The
Christian Albrecht Keller
&
Wilhelm Weiss
Families
Germany to North Dakota
In 1882 a group of German Evangelical pastors formed the “Deutsche Evangelische Colonizations
Gesellschaft”, or German Evangelistic Colonization Society, in Chicago, Illinois for the express purpose
of establishing settlements on the vast frontier of the plains states. A Locations Committee was also
formed and charged with the task of locating a suitable site for settlement in the spring.
During the latter part of 1882 the committee had visited a number of sites in Kansas, Nebraska and
Oklahoma; however, through the efforts of the Northern Pacific Railroad, it finally chose the Dakota
Territories for its new colony. The railroad stretched across the Dakota Territory and offered a host of
inducements to those willing to settle the new frontier. The biggest inducement was the offer to donate
parcels of land along the line for the settlers to construct their new communities.
Nearly all was in readiness for the new colonists by the spring of 1883 with the first party of settlers
departing Chicago on April 4. In all, some 200 German families had signed on for the new settlement,
the name of which was to be Salem. It was located about 30 miles west of the city that eventually
become a state capitol: Bismarck North Dakota.
On the morning of April 6 a freight car of equipment and supplies was unloaded near a high butte. Mr.
John Christensen, who had volunteered to ride the car, spent the previous evening alone with the
supplies. In doing so he is credited with being Salem's first settler. Late in the evening of the same day a
train carrying the first of the settlers arrived. Arriving in two day-coaches, they were left on a sidetrack
about midnight on Friday, April 6, 1883.
The next day, after Morning Prayer, the settlers were led four miles east and told this was the spot where
the coming city of Salem, and probably the future county seat of Morton, was to be. Business,
residential and the un-plotted part of a section were to be divided in equal shares. Of the lots, the first 30
went to the charter members of the society as reimbursement of their membership fees, with members
receiving one business and one residential lot each.
On the same day the railroad sent out a gang of working men with six construction cars, which were left
on a new siding track in Salem. Equipped with stoves for heating and cooking, they were to be used for
lodging and boarding of the settlers. During the nine months of that year the railroad brought out more
than 100 members. Settlers would continue to live in the railroad boxcars until an immigrant's home
could be built. A railroad tank car supplied water until a well could be dug.
The following month the colonists applied for a postal permit under the town's original name of Salem.
However, it was discovered that another Salem already existed in the Dakota Territory so the colonists
added the prefix “New”. Thus Salem became New Salem as it is yet today. In May, August A.V.
Schallern was commissioned to serve as the postmaster. The post office was located in the Nohl
Brothers Hardware and Drug Store.
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By July some 30 houses had been built within a short distance from town while, in New Salem, 21
houses had been erected along with a train depot. Fred Wiegman and William Lehfeldt established a
general store with Mr. Lehfeldt also constructing a hotel. On October 7th the colonists held church
services in their new church. By this time William Ott had opened another grocery store, A.F. Itrich
opened a harness shop and the Spinner brothers opened a butcher shop.
Although by the end of 1883 all of the necessities of living within New Salem were available, the
individual family experiences are more enlightening.
J. Heinrich Albrecht and his brother Johann related that when making bread they would have to wrap the
mixed dough and place it under the blankets of their beds so it could rise and not freeze. The Henry
Bargmann family brought with them on the train from Chicago a complete team of horses, a hand plow
and a buggy. The Emil Becher family initially lived under an overturned wagon box. In an attempt to
save her sleeping baby, Mrs. Wilhelm Bethke ran back into their home which was being engulfed by a
fast moving prairie fire. Both perished in the fire. The Peter Bumann family initially lived in a shack
made by standing grain doors upright to make a shelter. They planted potatoes in gopher holes. The
daughter of the Herman Freise family was the first to be born in New Salem. Mrs. Katherine Held was
the area midwife.
Christian Albrecht Keller, the son of Johann Albrecht Keller (1826-1916) and Christiane Friederike
Riegler (1830-1889), was born January 6, 1851 in Widdern, Württemberg, Germany. Katherine Carolina
Heck, the daughter of Franz Martin Hek (1821- ) and Susanne Christine Weiss (1826-1898), was born
July 10, 1845 in Unterkessach, Baden, Germany. Parish registers in Unterkessach, Germany indicate
that a son, Wilhelm Ludwig Keller, was born out of wedlock to Christian and Katherine on November
17, 1872.
Along with son William, age 9 months, Christian and Katherine emigrated from the port of Bremen,
Germany aboard the vessel Kronprinz Friederich Wilhelm, arriving at the port of New York City on
September 6, 1873. The marriage of Christian and Katherine was not recorded in their respective family
parishes in Germany thus it is assumed they married somewhere in route to America or after their
arrival.
Shortly thereafter, on July 18, 1874, Christian's brother Wilhelm Heinrich Keller arrived in New York
City from Bremen, Germany aboard vessel Oder. Wilhelm was born January 17, 1855 in Kreßbach,
Württemberg, Germany. He was not married at the time of his immigration.
The brothers were to be followed by their sister Christine Karoline Keller, age 16, who arrived in New
York City on May 15, 1878 aboard the vessel Frisia from Bremen, Germany. She was born March 21,
1862 in Bittelbronn, Württemberg, Germany.
Before long, the family father, Johann Albrecht Keller, joined them in America. The son of Johann
Heinrich Keller (1767-1853) and Katharina Kohlberger (1782-1853), he arrived in New York City from
Bremen, Germany on October 25, 1879 aboard vessel Donau. He arrived without his wife, Christiane
Friederike Riegler (1830-1889) or any of the remaining known surviving children who were apparently
left in Germany: Gottlieb Friedrich Keller, Johann Christian Keller, Katherine Friederike Keller,
Christiane Katherine Keller and (a second) Christine Karoline Keller.
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Upon emigration, Christian and Katherine Keller moved on to Goodhue County, Minnesota, and
established their home near the town of Red Wing. It was here that three additional children were born:
Pauline Keller, Louis Frederick Keller and Karoline Catherine Keller. About 1879 the family moved
further west to the town of Hatton in Traill County in what was then, Dakota Territory. Here children
Charles H. Keller and Henry J. Keller were born. Finally, in 1883, they moved still further west to
Morton County, Dakota Territory and began their farming operation about 16 miles south of the
emigrant village of New Salem. It was here that five additional children were born: Elizabeth Keller,
Julius Keller, Emma Keller, Emil Keller and Edward August Keller
Although Christian Keller and family had already moved on further west, by 1880 his brother William
Heinrich Keller and his wife Emma Kuhn are found living in Cherry Grove, Goodhue County along
with the family father Johann Albrecht Keller (still without his wife or other children). Daughter
Christiane Karoline Keller is not found under her birth name and a cursory review failed to locate an
appropriately wife named "Christiane" or "Karoline/Caroline" anywhere in the state.
By 1900 the Christian Keller family had moved on to Morton County, North Dakota. However, back in
Traill County, North Dakota we now find his brother William with wife “Marie” and children Minnie
Keller, Harry Keller, Gertrude Keller and Wilt Keller. It is assumed that this wife is one and the same as
the previously recorded wife "Emma" back in Minnesota; not only do the ages correspond, but both also
indicated they were born in Ohio. This was to be there final move as by 1920 William, age 64, was
residing alone in Hatton, Traill County, North Dakota.
Katherine (Heck) Keller died on June 28, 1891, just a year after the birth of her last child. Caring of the
younger children initially fell upon the oldest daughter, Pauline Keller; however, after her accidental
death about 1892, that responsibility passed to daughter Karoline Catherine Keller who was later to
marry William Weiss. (The grandparents of the Author).
In 1904 Christian Keller sold the family farm and, along with son Emil Keller, went to St Paul, Ramsey
County, Minnesota to establish a new home. Two years later Emil was to return to Morton County,
North Dakota. Minnesota State Archive records indicate that Christian was a resident of the Ramsey
County Alms House, located on the property of the county Poor Farm, from May 21, 1929 until his
discharge on May 28, 1931. Christian Keller died April 3, 1932 at the Anker Hospital (later Regions
Hospital), 640 Jackson Street, St Paul. The death certificate stated the deceased was a former resident of
the "Ramsey County Home of Gladstone, Minnesota" It is therefore believed that he was discharged
from the Poor Farm for purposes of being admitted to the Anker Hospital. There he remained until his
death. He was interred at the Elmhurst Cemetery in St. Paul, Minnesota.
The presence in America of Christian’s father Johann Albrecht Keller was brief as he eventually
returned to Germany. The date of the return has not yet been determined but it is thought to have
possibly taken place in anticipation of the death of his wife whom he had left back in Germany. That
death occurred on August 06, 1889 in Möckmühl, Württemberg, Germany. Johann himself also died
there on October 25, 1916. The remainder of this Keller family history pertains to the descendants of
Johann Albrecht Keller's son, Christian Keller (the Author's great-grandfather):
● Christian and Katherine Keller's first child, Wilhelm Ludwig Keller, was born November 17, 1872
in Unterkessach, Württemberg, Germany. He emigrated with his parents on September 6, 1873.
On April 21, 1904 in Morton County, North Dakota he would marry Emma C. Knirck. The
daughter of Emil Knirck and Caroline Evers, she was born July 9, 1882 in Waren, Mecklenburg,
Germany.
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About 1916 the William Keller family left North Dakota and moved to Bellingham, Whatcom
County, Washington, apparently accompanied by Emma’s parents, Emil and Carolina Knirck.
Prior to this time, Emma’s married sisters Alwena Martin and Martha Peters had lived in
Bellingham. It is thought that the move to Washington was precipitated by the November 1914
death of Martha. It would be in Washington that William and Emma Keller’s last four children
would be born.
William died January 22, 1951 in Bellingham, Whatcom County, Washington. Emma died August
25, 1967 in Bellingham, Whatcom County, Washington. They would have fourteen children:
Carolina Wilhelmina Louise Keller, Louise Alvina Keller, Margarethe Anna Frieda Keller, Lydia
Keller, William Keller, Elsie Julia Keller, Herman Keller, Maxwell Keller, Emma C. Keller, Eric
Keller, Minnie Keller, Ella Emma Keller, William Keller, Jr. and Edward Harold Keller.
o William and Emma Keller’s first child, Carolina Wilhelmina Louise Keller was born January
10, 1905 in Morton County, North Dakota. On Jul 1, 1926 in Bellingham, Whatcom County,
Washington “Lena” as she preferred to be called, married George Gardner. The son of George
Gardner and Donia Mincie, he was born about 1902 in North Carolina. They would have a son
Warren G. Gardner. He was born May 31, 1927 in Bellingham, Whatcom County, Washington
and died March 10, 1986 in Bellingham, Whatcom County, Washington. Warren, in turn,
married Vera Rae Neiman and had a son Gary Gardner.
Author’s Comment: At his writing the preceding grandchild, Gary Gardner, is the only
surviving natural direct descendant of William and Emma (Knirck) Keller
and their fourteen children.
George Gardner and Lena later separated. On a date between 1935 and 1941 Lena would later
marry Grover Baker. Theirs was a childless marriage.
Grover Baker and Lena later separated. On a date before 1951 Lena would marry Harold Earl
Babcock. The son of Earl Babcock, he was born September 17, 1904 in Kankakee County,
Illinois. Lena died March 13, 1969 in Pasco, Franklin County, Washington and Harold died
October 29, 1968 in Pasco, Franklin County, Washington. Theirs was a childless marriage.
o William and Emma Keller's second child, Louise Alvina Keller, was born February 21, 1906 in
Morton County, North Dakota. On January 25, 1931 in Whatcom County, Washington, Louise
narrowly survived a boating accident that claimed the life of her expected fiancé, Ernest C.
Stevens. Louise's sister Elsie and her husband Maxwell Upper, however, died in the same
accident. Somewhere between 1931 and 1935 Louise would marry J.D Hanna. Theirs was a
childless marriage.
J.D. Hanna and Louise later separated. On October 9, 1945 in Bellingham, Whatcom County,
Washington Louise married James Raymond McKay. Theirs was a childless marriage.
James McKay and Louise later separated. On March 29, 1947 Louise married Gordon A.
Schram in Vancouver, Clark County, Washington. The son of Rudolph Schram and Theresa
Graughan, he was born on July 26, 1920 in the Province of Saskatchewan, Canada. Louise died
August 25, 1981 in Bellingham, Whatcom County, Washington. Gordon died April 13, 1981 in
Vancouver, Clark County, Washington. Theirs was a childless marriage
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o William and Emma Keller's third child, Margarethe Anna Louise Keller, was born April 16,
1907 in Morton County North Dakota and died August 10, 1974 in Bellingham, Whatcom
County, Washington at the age of 67. She had never married.
o William and Emma Keller's fourth child, Lydia Keller was born about 1908 in Morton County,
North Dakota and died May 14, 1918 in Bellingham, Whatcom County, Washington at the age
of 10.
o William and Emma Keller's fifth child, William Keller, was born about 1909 in Morton
County, North Dakota and died before 1916 in Morton County, North Dakota.
o William and Emma Keller's sixth child, Elsie Julia Keller, was born November 28, 1910 in
Morton County, North Dakota. On January 25, 1931 she married Maxwell A. Upper. The son
of Nelson Upper, he was born about 1908 in Michigan. On July 19, 1931 both Elsie and
Maxwell would die in a boating accident on Lake Whatcom in Whatcom County, Washington.
Theirs was a childless marriage.
o William and Emma Keller's seventh child, Herman Keller, was born about 1911 in Morton
County, North Dakota and died before 1916 in Morton County, North Dakota.
o William and Emma Keller's eighth child, Maxwell Keller, was born about 1912 in Morton
County, North Dakota and died before 1916 in Morton County, North Dakota.
o William and Emma Keller's ninth child, Emma C. Keller, was born March 4, 1913 in Morton
County, North Dakota. Between 1935 and 1941 she would marry Melvin Sander. The son of
Henry Sander and Emma Duppenthalor, he was born December 9, 1908 in Bellingham,
Whatcom County, Washington. Emma died November 6, 1977 in Bellingham, Whatcom
County, Washington. Melvin died December 9, 1988 in Bellingham, Whatcom County,
Washington. Theirs was a childless marriage.
o William and Emma Keller's tenth child, Eric Wilhelm Keller, was born December 15, 1914 in
Morton County, North Dakota and died September 11, 1935 in Bellingham, Whatcom County,
Washington at the age of 20. He had never married.
o William and Emma Keller's eleventh child, Minnie Keller, was born March14, 1917 in
Bellingham, Whatcom County, Washington and died September 10, 2003 in Bellingham,
Whatcom County, Washington. She had never married.
o William and Emma Keller's twelfth child, Ella Emma Keller, was born November 20, 1919 in
Bellingham, Whatcom County, Washington. About 1954 in Seattle, King County, Washington
she married Orren Edward Moak. The son of Edward Moak, he was born August 20, 1917. Ella
died May 15, 1984 in Seattle, King County, Washington. Orren died July 9, 1988 in Seattle,
King County, Washington. They would adopt a daughter Patricia Moak who would marry
Thomas C. Neuss (1954-1992) and have two children: Christopher Neuss and Michael Neuss.
o William and Emma Keller's thirteenth child, William Keller, Jr., was born December 12, 1922
in Bellingham, Whatcom County, Washington and died September 25, 1991 in Blaine,
Whatcom County, Washington. On December 21, 1950 he would marry Wilma Fay Breedlove
Olinkiewiez. The daughter of John W. Breedlove and Ruby L. Ramey, she was born February
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21, 1917 in Oregon. To this marriage she brought a daughter from the previous marriage: Leah
Olinkiewicz who married Jim Kagley and had a daughter Kelli Kagley. William died
September 25, 1991 in Blaine, Whatcom County, Washington. Wilma died April 2, 2000 in
Bellingham, Whatcom County, Washington. Theirs was a childless marriage.
o William and Emma Keller's fourteenth child, Edward Harold Keller, was born July 28, 1925 in
Bellingham, Whatcom County, Washington and died January 20, 1941 in Bellingham,
Whatcom County, Washington at the age of 15.
● Christian and Katherine Keller's second child, Pauline Keller, was born about 1875 in Red Wing,
Goodhue County, Minnesota. She died in a shooting accident on the Morton County family farm
in 1892.
● Christian and Katherine Keller's third child, Louis Frederick Keller, was born July 27, 1876 in Red
Wing, Goodhue County, Minnesota. On February 25, 1904 he married Alice Ritz. The daughter of
Jacob Ritz and Louise Schwartes, she was born October 10, 1886 in Morton County, North
Dakota. Alice died October 12, 1908 in Morton County, North Dakota. She was interred in the
Peace Cemetery, New Salem, North Dakota. Louis died June 21, 1965 in Yakima, Yakima
County, Washington. He was interred in the West Hills Memorial Park Cemetery, Yakima. They
would have three children: Gertrude Keller, Walter Keller and Edwin Keller.
o Louis and Alice Keller's first child, Gertrude Louise Keller, was born November 22, 1904 in
Morton County, North Dakota. On June 21, 1924 in New Salem, Morton County, North Dakota
she married Albert O. Dettmann. The son of Frank Dettmann and Emma Grap, he was born
July 27, 1902 in Judson, Morton County, North Dakota. Gertrude died July 25, 1999 in
Bremerton, Kitsap County, Washington. Albert died May 45, 1986 in Yakima, Yakima County,
Washington. They would have three children: Fay A. Dettmann who married Robert Rogers;
Lois Dettmann who married Mr. Smith; and Dean Dettmann.
o Louis and Alice Keller's second child, Walter G. Keller, was born May 10, 1906 in New Salem,
Morton County, North Dakota. On November 27, 1929 he married Margaret P. Schmitz. She
was born July 04, 1911 in North Dakota. Walter died July 14, 1986 in Mandan, Morton
County, North Dakota. Margaret died February 1992. They would have four children: Vale
Keller who married Mr. Riggins; Joy Keller who married Mr. Foster; Margo Keller who
married Mr. Gross; and Jack Keller.
• Louis and Alice Keller's third child, Edwin A. Keller, was born August 17, 1907 in Morton
County, North Dakota. On March 17, 1940 in Butterfield, Watonwan County, Minnesota he
married Ora A. Sandstrom. The daughter of Theodore Sandstrom and Eline Iverson, she was
born January 18, 1911 in Butterfield, Watonwan County, Minnesota. Edwin died October 10,
1986 in Yakima, Yakima County, Washington. Ora died September 06, 1999 in Yakima,
Yakima County, Washington. Theirs was a childless marriage.
Upon the occasion of his first wife's death, Louis Frederick Keller re-married to Emma Joersz on
May 16, 1909. The daughter of Frederich Joersz and Sophia Hanna Marie Hoverman, she was
born July 6, 1883 in Germany. Emma died April 30, 1933 in Morton County, North Dakota.
Theirs would be a childless marriage but to this union Emma brought two children from her
previous marriage: Charles Barthel who married Evelyn Dettman and Minnie Barthel who married
Ed Schmidt.
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● Christian and Katherine Keller's fourth child, Karoline Catherine Keller, was born November 23,
1877 in Red Wing, Goodhue County, Minnesota. On June 3, 1897 in Morton County, North
Dakota she married William Weiss. The son of Johannes Weiss and Victoria Madlener, he was
born December 07, 1867 in Aitrach, Württemberg, Germany.
Author's Comment:
The history of the William and Karoline (Keller) Weiss family will be
found at the conclusion of this Keller family history.
● Christian and Katherine Keller's fifth child, Charles H. Keller, was born April 30, 1879 in Hatton,
Traill County, North Dakota. On April 30, 1913 in Morton County, North Dakota he married
Edith Morrelle. The daughter of Emil Morrelle and Mary P. Klinker, she was born October 10,
1889 in Monroe County, Iowa. Edith died March 13, 1954 in Hazen, Mercer County, North
Dakota. Charles died April 30, 1879 in Livingston, Park County, Montana. They would have
eleven children: Katherine M. Keller, Agnes E. Keller, Melvin E. Keller, George P. Keller, Myrtle
G. Keller, Caroline G. Keller, Annie E. Keller and Mary Keller.
o Charles and Edith Keller's first child, Katherine Marie Keller, was born September 18, 1914 in
Morton County, North Dakota. She married Lester Percy who was born July 13, 1910.
Katherine died March 1982 in Colville, Stevens County, Washington. Lester died August 1986
in Colville, Stevens County, Washington. They had six children: Margaret Grace Percy who
married Mr. Ridge; Blanche Loretta Percy who married Mr. Pope; Paul Ray Percy; Raymond
Charles Percy; Helen May Percy who married Mr. Noland; and Mary Anna Percy who married
Roger Perryman.
o Charles and Edith Keller's second child, Ervin Charles Keller, was born December 17, 1915 in
Morton County, North Dakota. On October 29, 1939 he married Lenora May Schell who was
born May 12, 1921. Lenora died April 8, 2002 in Bend, Deschutes County, Oregon. Ervin died
in Bend, Deschutes County, Oregon. They would have three children: Dale Ervin Keller who
married Ruth Scol; Carol June Keller who married Mr. Larkin; and Harriet Keller who married
Mr. Henry.
o Charles and Edith Keller's third child, Herbert William Keller, was born January 13, 1917 in
Morton County, North Dakota. He died July 29, 1985 in Beulah, Mercer County, North
Dakota. He had never married.
o Charles and Edith Keller's fourth child, Agnes Elizabeth Keller, was born April 27, 1918 in
Morton County, North Dakota. On October 15, 1941 she married Ole Rudolph Anderson who
was born November 23, 1905. Ole died September 8, 1989 in Pelican Rapids, Otter Tail
County, Minnesota. They would have two children: Loretta Jean Anderson who married Pat
Mueller and Eugene Lloyd Anderson who married Carol ___.
o Charles and Edith Keller's fifth child, Melvin Emil Keller, was born December 4, 1919 in
Morton County, North Dakota. He died August 1, 2003 in Sturgis, Meade County, South
Dakota. He had never married
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o Charles and Edith Keller's sixth child, George Paul Keller, was born April 4 1921 in Morton
County, North Dakota. On April 6, 1947 in Morton County, North Dakota he married Esther
Margaret Fischer. The daughter of Edward Fisher and Lillian Walters, she was born May 20,
1928 in Camrose, Alberta, Canada. George died November 09, 2004 in Morton County, North
Dakota. They would have two children: Edward Charles Keller and Duane Lee Keller.
o Charles and Edith Keller's seventh child, Myrtle Marie Keller, was born July 9, 1922 in Morton
County, North Dakota. On June 17, 1946 in Morton County, North Dakota she married Peter
Alex Fix. The son of Alexander Fix and Margaret Ferderer, he was born May 9, 1917 in Oliver
County, North Dakota. Peter died March 1, 2001 in Portland, Multnomah County, Oregon.
Myrtle died January 3, 1982 Portland, Multnomah County, Oregon. They would have a
daughter Pamela Marie Fix who married Michael Mullikin.
o Charles and Edith Keller's eighth child, Caroline Grace Keller, was born July 25, 1923 in
Morton County, North Dakota. On December 21, 1951 in Morton County, North Dakota she
married Henry Edward Schmidt. The son of Jacob Schmidt & Emelia Schuh, he was born
March 10, 1916. Caroline died August 25, 1992. Henry died December 14, 1991. They would
have two children: Tamara Kay Schmidt and Terrace Lee Schmidt who married Connie Mae
Morlock.
o Charles and Edith Keller's ninth child, Anna Elizabeth Keller, was born March 6, 1934 in
Morton County, North Dakota. On June 8, 1946 in Oliver County, North Dakota she married
Kurt Bauer. The son of Andrew Bauer and Adelgunde Reimer, he was born February 13, 1920
in Hutchinson County, South Dakota. Anna died June 26, 1973 in Albany, Linn County,
Oregon. They would have three children: Sheryl Melre Bauer who married Richard Lee
Willmschen; Karen Ann Bauer who married Glenn Maki; and Wayne Bauer.
o Charles and Edith Keller's tenth child, Walter Edward Keller, was born April 9, in Morton
County, North Dakota. On October 23, 1947 he married Frances Gina Glecia who was born
January 1, 1920. They would have two children: Linda Gina Keller who would marry James
Pagnella and Robert James Keller.
o Charles and Edith Keller's eleventh child, Blanch Keller, was born December 12, 1930 in
Morton County, North Dakota and died on December 29, 1930.
● Christian and Katherine Keller's sixth child, Henry J. Keller, Sr., was born September 02, 1881 in
Hatton, Traill County, North Dakota. On December 20, 1906 in Morton County, North Dakota he
married Mary Barbara Lieb. The daughter of Johann Frederick Lieb and Katherine Goetz, she was
born May 18, 1888 in Fenton, Kossuth County, Iowa. Henry died May 04, 1973 in Bismarck,
Burleigh County, North Dakota. Mary died April 10, 1964 in Mandan, Morton County, North
Dakota. They would have six children: Florence Keller, Elmer Keller, Edna Keller, Wilmer Keller,
Henry Keller, Jr., and Leo Keller.
o Henry and Mary Keller's first child, Florence Keller, was born March 4, 1908 in Morton
County, North Dakota. On June 26, 1929 she married Wilhelm Heinrich Ludwig Joersz. The
son of Herman Joersz and Martha Borchers, he was born June 22, 1907 in New Salem, Morton
County, North Dakota. Florence died September 23, 1971 in Mandan, Morton County, North
Dakota. Wilhelm (William) died September 4, 1996 in Mandan, Morton County, North Dakota.
They would have five children: Marvin Herman Joersz who married Lucille Gross; Robert
Lester Joersz who married Donna Huber; Wallace Henry Joersz who married Eillen Jewel
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Hunke; Janet Marie Joersz who married David Lunde; and Karen Ann Joersz who married
Richard Walter Nolan.
o Henry and Mary Keller's second child, Elmer Keller, was born April 12, 1910 in Morton
County, North Dakota. On October 2, 1940 he married Anna M. Kronberger. The daughter of
John and Elizabeth Kronberger, she was born April 21, 1919 in Indian Creek, Hettinger
County, North Dakota. Elmer died January 9, 1996 in Cottage Grove, Lane County, Oregon.
Anna Died December 21, 2002 in Cottage Grove, Lane County, Oregon They would have two
children, Richard Keller and Marlyn Keller.
o Henry and Mary Keller's third child, Edna Keller, was born Jul 17, 1912 in Morton County,
North Dakota. On June 30, 1934 in Morton County, North Dakota she married Algot Monson.
The son of Thomas Monson and Hulda Anderson, he was born December 20, 1898 in Almont,
Morton County, North Dakota. Edna died November 17, 1997 in Denver, Denver County,
Colorado. Algot died January 1975 in Flasher, Morton County, North Dakota. They would
have two children: Roger Monson who married Eyvonne Schulz and Corrine Monson who
married Ray Tolstead.
o Henry and Mary Keller's fourth child, Wilmer Keller, was born September 5, 1916 in Morton
County, North Dakota. On December 8, 1945 in Waltham, Mower County, Minnesota he
married Pauline Schieck. The daughter of Carl & Augusta Schieck, she was born June 30, 1924
in New Salem, Morton County, North Dakota. Wilmer died April 15, 1973 in New Salem,
Morton County, North Dakota. They would have two children: James Alan Keller who married
Marilyn Lohstreter and Julie Ann Keller who married Charles Herrmann.
o Henry and Mary Keller's fifth child, Henry Keller Jr., was born August 12, 1925 in Morton
County, North Dakota. On June 16, 1946 in New Salem, Morton County, North Dakota he
married Ruth Schneider. The daughter of Carl Schneider and Anna Walde, she was born in
1927 in New Salem, Morton County, North Dakota. They would have three children: Gary
Gene Keller who married Jean Schefter; Linda Marie Keller who married Richard Kods; and
Leon Henry Keller who married Cindy Ann Frisch.
o Henry and Mary Keller's sixth child, Leo Keller, was born November 5, 1927 in Morton
County, North Dakota. On October 29, 1951 he married Jean Timpe. The daughter of Leo
Timpe and Arlington Griffeth, she was born June 1, 1930 in Morton County, North Dakota.
They would have five children: Terry Keller, Ross Keller, Laurie Keller who married Mark
Kadmas, Jody Keller and Lynn Keller who married Marcy Zander.
● Christian and Katherine Keller's seventh child, Elizabeth Keller, was born February 18, 1883 in
Morton County, North Dakota. On December 11, 1904 in Morton County, North Dakota she
married Frederick W. Vollrath. The son of Peter Vollrath and Margaret Bumann, he was born
about 1876 in Chicago, Cook County, Illinois. Fred died January 22, 1936 in Morton County,
North Dakota. Elizabeth died November 2, 1949 in Morton County, North Dakota. They would
have three children: Frederick P. Vollrath, Edwin G. Vollrath and Garnet G. Vollrath who married
Mr. Schaffer.
● Christian and Katherine Keller's eighth child, Julius Keller, was born July 09, 1884 in Morton
County, North Dakota. On May 31, 1924 in Miles City, Custer County, Montana he married Marie
Ertl. The daughter of Frank Ertl and Theresa Summer, she was born March 3, 1807 in Gleisdorf,
Austria. They would have six children: Walter J. Keller, Mary Faye Keller, Lena Loretta Keller,
Theresa Grace Keller, Ernest Keller and William Frank Keller.
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o Julius and Marie Keller's first child, Walter J. Keller, was born May 9, 1925 in Terry, Prairie
County, Montana. About 1945 he married Phyllis Rickman. The daughter of Ora Rickmann and
Floetta Pinckard, she was born January 1, 1927. They would have four children: Jeannie Keller
who married Ron Tarrant; Donna Keller who married John Virgin; Gary Keller who married
Pat Hunter; and Robert Keller who married Marianne Veglio
o Julius and Marie Keller's second child, Mary Faye Keller, was born May 12, 1927 in Penrose
(Powell), Park County, Wyoming. About 1948 in Powell, Park County, Wyoming she married
John Russell Shelton. The son of William Shelton, she was born November 17, 1920 in Basin,
Big Horn County, Wyoming. They would have three children: Walter David Shelton who
married Catherine Calvin; Marjorie Marie Shelton who married David Sanders; and Steven
LeRoy Shelton who married Shanna Kay _____.
o Julius and Marie Keller's third child, Lena Loretta Keller, was born January 3, 1929 in Penrose
(Powell), Park County, Wyoming. On July 18, 1948 in Cheyenne, Laramie County, Wyoming
she married John Albion Larson. The son of Palmer Larson, she was born March 24, 1921 in
Wyoming. They would have one daughter who died shortly after childbirth.
o Julius and Marie Keller's fourth child, Theresa Grace Keller, was born April 3, 1922 in
Garland, Park County, Wyoming. On November 3, 1953 in Billings, Yellowstone County,
Montana she married Raymond Clifford Maddaus. The son of Raymond Maddaus & Helen
Yunker he was born January 28, 1922 in Minneapolis, Hennepin County, Minnesota. Theresa
died February 25, 1998 in Billings, Yellowstone County, Montana. Raymond died November
8, 1998 in Billings, Yellowstone County, Montana. They would have four children: Michael
Ray Maddaus, Daniel J. Maddaus, Diane Leslie Maddaus and Debra Lea Maddaus who married
Mr. Boehm.
o Julius and Marie Keller's fifth child, Ernest Keller, was born in 1934 in Montana. He died
before 1998.
o Julius and Marie Keller's sixth child, William Frank Keller was born in 1937 in Montana. He
died January 23, 2004.
● Christian and Katherine Keller's ninth child, Emma Keller, was born June 07, 1886 in Morton
County, North Dakota. She married Mark Washington. Emma died September 1973 in North
Bend, Coos County, Oregon. Theirs was a childless marriage.
● Christian and Katherine Keller's tenth child, Emil A. Keller, was born September 08, 1887 in
Morton County, North Dakota. On June 14, 1908 in Morton County, North Dakota he married
Wilhelmine Lieb. The daughter of Johann Frederick Lieb and Katherine Goetz, she was born
October 25, 1889 in Fenton, Kossuth County, Iowa. Henry died May 04, 1973 in Bismarck,
Burleigh County, North Dakota. Wilhelmina died April 10, 1964 in Mandan, Morton County,
North Dakota. They would have three children: Kathryn Keller, Evelyn Keller and Norman Keller.
o Emil and Wilhelmine Keller's first child, Evelyn Keller, was born Oct 11, 1909 in New Salem,
Morton County, North Dakota. In 1958 she married Alvin House in Morton County, North
Dakota. He was born May 20, 1902 in New York. Alvin died April 22, 1959 in Mandan,
Morton County, North Dakota. To this marriage Alvin brought four children from a previous
marriage: Alvin House, Jr., Paul House, Robert House and Edwin House.
10

o Emil and Wilhelmine Keller's second child, Kathryn Keller, was born February 27, 1912 in
New Salem, Morton County, North Dakota. She married Roy C. Kahovec. The son of John
Kahovec and Florence Rogers, he was born October 8, 1897 in New Salem, Morton County,
North Dakota. Kathryn died August 1999 in Bismarck, Burleigh County, North Dakota. Roy
died February 3, 1973. They would have a daughter Naomi Kohovec who married Robert
Engelter.
o Emil and Wilhelmine Keller's third child, Norman Keller, was born March 2, 1919 in Morton
County, North Dakota. On September 7, 1942 he married Ardythe M. Rogers, in New Salem,
Morton County, North Dakota. The daughter of Harry and Florence Rogers, she was born
December 12, 1921 in Salina, Saline County, Kansas. Normal died May 26, 1970 in Bismarck,
Burleigh County, North Dakota. They would have four children: Douglas Keller who married
Linda Nagel; Duane Keller and Shari Keller.
● Christian and Katherine Keller's eleventh child, Edward August Keller, was born May 11, 1890 in
Morton County, North Dakota. On January 25, 1915 he married Johanna Timmerschied Garrison.
The daughter of Carl and Angela Timmerschied, she was born March 02, 1887 in Paderborn,
Westfalen, Germany. Edward died January 1970 in Circle, McCone County, Montana. Johanna
died March 25, 1971 in Rock Springs, Sweetwater County, Wyoming. They would have three
children: Charles Earl Keller, Barbara Louise Keller and Earl Raymond Keller. To the marriage,
Johanna brought a son from a previous marriage: Henry W. Garrison.
o Edward and Johanna Keller's first child, Charles Earl Keller, was born February 27, 1916 in
Dawson County, Montana. On July 14, 1940 he married Betsy I. Bohn. The daughter of
Charles and Jean Bohn, she was born September 17, 1918 in Pueblo, Pueblo County, Colorado.
Betsy died March 25, 1997 in Rock Springs, Sweetwater County, Montana. They would have
four children: Loretta Jean Keller, Barbara Imogene Keller and John Charles Keller who
married Diana Lee Logan.
o Edward and Johanna Keller's second child, Barbara Louise Keller, was born April 28, 1918 in
Brockway, Milone County, Montana. On June 5, 1941 she married Earl William Swanson in
Spokane, Spokane County, Washington. They would have two children: Lee William Swanson
and Robert Earl Swanson.
o Edward and Johanna Keller's third child, Earl Raymond Keller, was born April 28, 1918 in
Brockway, Milone County, Montana and died May 4, 1976 in Rock Spring, Sweetwater
County, Wyoming.
11

The
William & Karoline (Keller) Weiss
Family
Morton County, North Dakota
Caroline Catherine Keller, the fourth of eleven children born to Christian Albrecht Keller (1851-1932)
and Katherine Carolina Heck (1845-1891), was born November 23, 1877 in Red Wing, Minnesota. In
1879 her parents moved the family to Hatton, Traill County, Dakota Territory, near what is now the
North Dakota/Minnesota state line. In 1883 the family moved further west across the state by oxendrawn
covered wagon to the immigrant village of New Salem, Morton County, North Dakota.
William Weiss, the son of Johannes Weiss (1834-1911) and Victoria Madlener (1939-1917), was born
December 7, 1867 in Ferthofen, Württemberg, Germany and immigrated to America in 1893. He first
settled in Nebraska but later in the same year came to North Dakota.
On June 3, 1897 in Morton County, North Dakota William Weiss married Karoline Catherine Keller.
William died October 22, 1959 in New Salem, Morton County, North Dakota. Karoline died November
20, 1960 in New Salem, Morton County, North Dakota. They had 13 children: Magdalena Catherina
Weiss, Clara Karoline Friederica Weiss, William Weiss, Emma Marie Agnes Weiss, Ella Louise Weiss,
Theresa Elizabeth Weiss, Harold Friedrich Emil Weiss, William Edward Weiss, Herman Frederick
Albert Weiss, Arthur Henry Gustaf Weiss, Eileen Evelyn Adelaide Weiss, Louise Loretta Emma Weiss
and Alta Loretta Wilhelmina Weiss.
● William and Karoline Weiss' first child, Magdalena Weiss, was born September 22, 1893 in
Morton County, North Dakota. On October 13, 1912 she married August Vollrath in Morton
County, North Dakota. The son of Johann Peter Vollrath and Anne Margaret Bamann, he was born
April 21, 1881 in Chicago, Cook County, Illinois. August died January 19, 1963 in New Salem,
Morton County, North Dakota. Magdalena (Maggie) died March 22, 1979 in New Salem, Morton
County, North Dakota. They had three children: Eleanor Vollrath, Evelyn Vollrath and Arnold
Vollrath.
o Eleanor Vollrath married Fred Hurmence. Theirs was a childless marriage. To this union Fred
brought two children from a previous marriage: Wilma Hurmence and Bernice Hurmence.
o Evelyn Vollrath married Theodore Toepke and had children Westley Toepke, Correen Toepke
and Cathleen Toepke.
§ Westley Toepke married Carolyn Qualley and had children Cary Toepke, Camy Toepke,
Heide Toepke and Lindsay Toepke. Westley later married Debra (Schaffel) Knudson who
brought a son Eric Knudson to the union from her previous marriage.
§ Correen Toepke married Ross Major and had daughters Amy Major and Stacie Major.
12

§ Cathleen Toepke married Dean Vaupel and had children Jason Vaupel and Bryn Vaupel.
Cathleen later married Douglas Mann.
o Arnold Vollrath married Dorothy Knutson and had children Robert Arnold Vollrath and Kelly
Dean Vollrath.
§ Robert Vollrath married JoAnn Paulson and had children Jamie Vollrath, Julie Vollrath and
Bradley Vollrath.
§ Kelly Vollrath married Peggy Simenson and had children Kristine Vollrath and James
Vollrath
● William and Karoline Weiss' second child, Clara Karoline Friedricke Weiss, was born August 17,
1898 in Morton County, North Dakota. On Jun 18, 1919 she married Arthur Henry Bahr in
Morton County, North Dakota. The son of Julius Henry Bahr and Henrietta Amelia Siebenneicher,
he was born June 25, 1895 in Falls City, Richardson County, Nebraska. Clara died March 04,
1947 in Morton County, North Dakota. Arthur died December 27, 1976 in Larkspur, Marin
County, California. They had three children: Willard Bahr, Mildred Bahr and Iris Bahr
o Willard Bahr married Enita Evangeline Sharff and had children Karon Kay Bahr and Gary
Willard Bahr
§ Karon Bahr married Harvey Johnson and had a daughter Tamara Johnson
§ Gary Bahr married Marilyn Neibauer and had children Shawna Bahr, Tawnya Bahr and
Gaylen Bahr
o Mildred Theresa Bahr married Edgar Franklin Elliott and had children Mary Louise Elliott and
James Arthur Elliott.
§ Mary Elliott married James Freeman and had sons Christopher Freemen and Shaun
Freemen.
§ James Elliott married Gail Lacy and had a daughter Bryn Elliott.
o Iris Esther Bahr married Peter Giacotto and had children Vicki Giacotto, Perry Marin Giacotto
and Pamela Marie Giacotto.
§ Vicki Giacotto married Charles Hilger and had children Toni Hilger and Nicole Hilger.
§ Perry Giacotto married Rose Reyes Garcia and had a son and Justin Giacotto.
§ Pamela Giacotto married John Hooper and had children Zachery Hooper, Alyse Hooper and
Sophia Hooper.
● William and Karoline Weiss' third child, William (Willie) Weiss, was born January 31, 1900 and
died as a youth in 1903.
13

● William and Karoline Weiss' fourth child, Emma Marie Agnes Weiss, was born May 22, 1901
and died as a teenager on June 10, 1918.
● William and Karoline Weiss' fifth child, Ella Louise Weiss, was born Jun 3, 1903 in Morton
County, North Dakota. On September 27, 1925 in Morton County, North Dakota she married
Walter Everett Purfeerst. The son of Harmon Francis Purfeerst and Jennie June Johnson, he was
born December 09, 1900 in Kenyon, Goodhue County, Minnesota. Ella died April 08, 1963 in
Grand Forks, Grand Forks County, North Dakota. Walter died July 03, 1965 in Bismarck,
Burleigh County, North Dakota. They had two children: Roger Duane Purfeerst and (the author of
this document) Donald Lee Purfeerst
Author's Comment: The ancestral history for Walter Purfeerst’s father will be found in the Rice
County, Minnesota family history. The ancestral history for Walter’s mother
will be found in the Johnson family history (The Netherlands) and in the
Bostwick family history (Fairfield County, Connecticut).
o Walter and Ella Purfeerst’s first child, Roger Duane Purfeerst married Patricia Gail Richter and
had children Christopher Michael Purfeerst and Katherine Kimberly Purfeerst.
§ Christopher Purfeerst married Riann Giovacchini.
§ Katherine Purfeerst married Jeffrey Pedersen and had a son Roan Pedersen.
o Walter and Ella Purfeerst’s second child, Donald Lee Purfeerst, married Marion Elizabeth
Brademeyer and had children Bradley Allen Purfeerst, Sheryl Monique Purfeerst and Sheila
Renee Purfeerst.
Donald Purfeerst later married Martha Tanguay. Theirs was a childless marriage.
o Bradley Allen Purfeerst first married Holly Stauffer and had a son Adam Purfeerst.
Bradley later married Karen Frederick Smith and had a daughter Bailey Purfeerst. Karen
brought to this union a son Ryan Smith from a previous marriage.
o Sheryl Purfeerst married Gary Geisler and had sons Brent Geisler and Chad Geisler
o Sheila Purfeerst married Adam Crawford and had a son James Crawford.
Sheila later married Jerry Huber. Theirs was a childless marriage.
● William and Karoline Weiss’ sixth child, Theresa Elizabeth Weiss, was born March 25, 1905 in
Morton County, North Dakota. On September 11, 1927 she married Paul H. Schwartz Morton
County, North Dakota. The son of Herman Schwartz and Lena Truwe, he was born June 20, 1903
in McLeod County, Minnesota. Paul died December 11, 1983 in Dickinson, Stark County, North
Dakota. Theresa died December 26, 1994 in Bismarck, Burleigh County, North Dakota. Theirs
was a childless marriage.
14

● William and Karoline Weiss' seventh child, Harold Friedrich Emil Weiss, was born Jun 3, 1907 in
Morton County, North Dakota. On April 18, 1930 he married Mary Frances Malone in Mandan,
Morton County, North Dakota. The daughter of Otis Malone and Loretta W. Anthes, she was born
June 02, 1906 in Indiana. Harold died March 31, 1972 in San Rafael, Marin County, California.
Mary died August 18, 1980 in Greenbrae, Marin County, California. They had five children:
William Weiss, Robert Weiss, Rebecca Weiss, Gail Weiss and Michael Weiss.
o William Otis Weiss married Mabel____
o Robert Orville Weiss, Sr. married Charlene King and had children Robert Weiss, Jr., Cynthia
Jean Weiss, Joni Frances Weiss, Arthur Weiss, Joseph Weiss and John Weiss
§ Robert Weiss, Jr. married Coleen McCaffrey and had a son Mark Weiss
§ Cynthia Jean Weiss married Michael Anglen and had children Sarah Jayne Anglen and Ryna
Anglen.
§ Arthur Harold Weiss married Christy Simmons and had children Nathan Weiss, Nicholas
Weiss and Cody Weiss.
§ John Weiss married Krissy Skultety.
o Rebecca Ann Weiss married Elmer William Anderson and had children William Anderson and
Beth Anderson.
§ William Anderson married Vera Sachithanantham and had sons Christopher Anderson and
Brian Anderson.
§ Beth Anderson married Craig Stella and had a son Mario Stella.
Beth later married Neal Yoshioka and had a son Kyle Yoshioka.
o Gail Adel Weiss married Harvey W. Hudnall, Jr. and had children Steven Hudnall and Mary
Ann Hudnall.
§ Steven Hudnall married Theresa Wooley and had children Katie Hudnall and Michael
Hudnall.
§ Mary Ann Hudnall married Kelly Mitteis and had children Hannah Mitteis and Samuel
Mitteis.
o Michael Malone Weiss married Marie Beeman and had children Mylinda Weiss and Melissa
Weiss. Michael later married Paula_____.
● William and Karoline Weiss' eighth child, William Edward Weiss, was born Apr 4, 1909 in
Morton County, North Dakota. On June 18, 1939 he married Leona Arzela Wolfinger in Mandan,
Morton County, North Dakota. The daughter of Emile and Olive Wolfinger, she was born June 19,
1916 in Morton County, North Dakota. William died January 22, 1988 in New Salem, Morton
County, North Dakota. Leona died September 29, 1985 in New Salem, Morton County, North
15

Dakota. They had three children: Arlene Louise Weiss, Carol Marie Weiss and Marlys Marie
Weiss.
o Arlene Louise Weiss married Robert L. Ansley. Theirs was a childless marriage.
o Carol Marie Weiss married Marvin John Erhardt and had children Michael William Erhardt
and Kathryn Marie Erhardt.
§ Michael Erhardt married Cheryl Cudworth and had children Morgan Erhardt and Jack
Erhardt.
§ Kathryn Erhardt married Charles Bauman and had children Myrah Bauman and Josh
Bauman.
o Marlys Olivia Weiss married Jonathan Munnell and had children Samuel Barrett Munnell and
Christina Rachel Munnell.
● William and Karoline Weiss' ninth child, Herman Fredrich Albert Weiss, was born November 11,
1910 in Morton County, North Dakota. On October 5, 1947 he married Elda Caroline Holle in
Morton County, North Dakota. The daughter of Charles Holle and Frieda Geissler, she was born
June 13, 1919 in Morton County, North Dakota. Herman died October 09, 1998 in New Salem,
Morton County, North Dakota. They had four children: David Charles Weiss, Mary Ellen Weiss,
Daniel Brian Weiss and Corrinne Margaret Weiss.
o David Charles Weiss married Deborah Volk and had children Matthew Wayne Weiss, Andrew
David Weiss and Nicole Marie Weiss.
o Mary Ellen Weiss married James Reiner and had children Jennifer Caroline Reiner, Molly Ann
Reiner and Katherine Corrinne Reiner.
o Daniel Brian Weiss
o Corrinne Margaret Weiss married Tom Allan Fish and had a daughter Lacey Ann Fish. To this
union Tom brought two children from a previous marriage: Tyler Fish and Christi Fish.
● William and Karoline Weiss’ tenth child, Arthur Henry Gustaf Weiss, was born May 13, 1914 in
Morton County, North Dakota. On May 31, 1914 he married Genevieve Rask in Morton County,
North Dakota. The daughter of Carl Rask and Anna Smeder, she was born April 18, 1921 in
Morton County, North Dakota. Arthur died July 14, 2004 in Bismarck, Burleigh County, North
Dakota. They had two children: Arlon Arthur Weiss and Carlene Mavis Weiss.
o Arlon Arthur Weiss married Arlene Marie Kuhn and had children Arthur A. Weiss, Allen R.
Weiss, Angela Weiss and Adam Weiss.
§ Allen Weiss married Peggy Berry and had children Jaden Weiss and Allie Weiss.
§ Adam Weiss married Penny Kuntz and had children Brandi Weiss and Katelyn Weiss.
16

o Carlene Mavis Weiss married Jerry Lou Just and had children Charlotte Carlene Just, Candi
Joy Just, James Jerry Just and Joel Michael Just.
§ Charlotte Just married Mitchell Erhardt and had children Patricia Erhardt and Travis
Erhardt.
§ Candi Just married Stuart Layne Glass and had children Brooke Glass and Seth Glass.
§ James Just married Rebecca Jo Kuether and had children Taylor Just and Kennedy Just.
§ Joel Just married Kristen Mosbrucker and had children Bradyn just and Brycen Just.
● William and Karoline Weiss's eleventh child, Eileen Evelyn Adelaide Weiss, was born May 11,
1917 in Morton County, North Dakota. On June 23, 1940 she married William F. Gaebe in Morton
County, North Dakota. The son of Frank C. Gaebe and Helen Christiansen, he was born January
17, 1918 in Morton County, North Dakota. They had a son Kenneth Gaebe.
o Kenneth Gaebe married Leslie Anne Heard and had children Scott Kenneth Gaebe and Kate
Eileen Gaebe.
● William and Karoline Weiss's twelfth child, Louise Loretta Emma Weiss, was born January 1,
1920 in Morton County, North Dakota. On January 28, 1942 she married Bert Norton in New
Salem, Morton County, North Dakota. The son of Harley B. Norton and Emma Zarndt, he was
born May 07, 1916 in New Salem, Morton County, North Dakota. Bert died May 15, 2000 in New
Salem, Morton County, North Dakota. They had two children: Patricia Lynn Norton and Keith
Wayne Norton.
o Patricia Lynn Norton married Norman Toman and had children Rebecca Louise Toman, Brett
Patrick Toman and Tara Diane Toman.
§ Rebecca Toman married Henry Gerving and had a son Brandon Gerving. Rebecca later
married Robert Ritter and had children Tasha Ritter, Clark Ritter, Katie Ritter and Hannah
Ritter.
§ Bret Toman married Kristina Elizabeth Sutton and had children Isaac Emil Toman,
Elizabeth Toman and Samuel Toman.
§ Tara Toman married Joe Sanchez and had a daughter Gabrielle Sanchez.
o Keith Wayne Norton married Diane LaVonne Heid and had children Karen Diane Norton,
Wendy Kay Norton and Julie Denise Norton.
§ Karen Norton married Darcy Becker and had children Ashley Becker, Jennifer Becker,
Logan Becker and Levi Anthony Becker
§ Julie Norton married Jeff Vyska and had children Alex Michael Vyska and Brian Vyska.
● William and Karoline Weiss's thirteenth child, Alta Loretta Wilhelmina Weiss, was born January
28, 1922 in Morton County, North Dakota. On December 15, 1945 she married James Andrews
17

Daniels, Sr. in St Louis, Missouri. The son of James Absalom Daniels and Elsie Jones, he was
born September 29, 1906 in St Louis, Missouri. They had three children: Jon Allen Daniels, Jerald
Bruce Daniels, and Jeffrey Daniels.
o Jon Allen Daniels married Margaret Cermak. Theirs was a childless marriage.
o Jerald Bruce Daniels married Mary Jane Meara and had children Rose Daniels and Joseph
Daniels.
o Jeffrey Daniels married Mary Meath and had children Jeffrey Daniels, Jason Daniels, Jessica
Daniels and Jonathan Daniels.
18