William John Altenbernd
M, #55, b. 24 November 1885, d. 24 May 1941
- Relationship
- Grandfather of Sheila Sue Altenbernd
| Father* | Friedrich Wilhelm Altenbernd b. 23 March 1831, d. 28 August 1905 |
| Mother* | Katharine Hill b. 15 December 1842, d. 23 April 1913 |
The following information is from the records of John Altenbernd.
William was known as "Willie" as a boy. He attended Kaw Valley School, District 12, Eudora Kansas. After an extended bachelorhood he married Flora Stoerker.
I know distressing little about Dad's life before he met my mother. Dad almost never talked about himself to me. What I do know all comes from my mother, told to me after Dad's death in 1941.
Dad was the youngest in a family of eight children. Dad's father died early on when Dad was teen age, and Dad took over the work of the farm, living there with his mother and his unmarried sister, Louise, until his mother's death. Then it was just he and Louise.
Dad attended the same red brick Kaw Valley School that I did, only the enrollment was much larger then. There were more families with large numbers of children. There was even a family that lived in a log dirt lean to by the Kaw River who sent a couple of kids to school.
Somewhere along the line Dad went to Kansas City and attended a Lutheran school for religious education, staying with one of the Hoelzel's I suppose. (I don't know if Dad's sisters, Reke and Kate, were married to the Hoelzel brothers yet at that time or not.)
Dad never went to high school. He would have had to go away to do it since there was no high school around then, and, Dad said, "No one ever suggested going." Dad could make bad spelling and reading errors, but that was about all that betrayed his lack of education. On his own initiative, he was well read (but not in an academic or literary sense), and made himself knowledgeable of what was going on around the world. His was not a parochial mind.
He never participated in sports as a child. He had buck teeth which must have been exceptionally bad (He wore dentures when I knew him), because he said he always had to take special care that a ball or something didn't hit him in the face and knock out his teeth. So he just didn't play. But all his life he was an avid fan as a spectator baseball, football, and basketball. I know he followed the exploits of Joe Louis, but I don't think he was a particularly enthusiastic boxing fan generally.
My grandparents were Lutheran by heritage, but in the absence of a local Lutheran Church, they were among the founding families of St. Paul's German Evangelical Church in Eudora, Kansas. That was my grandparents' church until their deaths, but only dad and Uncle Carl stayed with St. Paul's later. (The other brothers and sisters reverted to the Lutheran faith when opportunity arose even Dad's sister Louise. Even though they lived together, Dad went to St. Paul's in Eudora and Louise went to the Lutheran Church in Lawrence.)
Dad too retained a certain fondness for the Lutheran Church. He would listen to "The Lutheran Hour" on the radio, and occasionally during the Lenten Season he would go to Lawrence by himself to attend a Lutheran Lenten Service. This in no way negated or dissipated his loyalty and support of St. Paul's in Eudora.
He would not go to the Lutheran Church Louise had gone to and to which Aunt Maggie Schaacke still went. He went to a different Lutheran Church. He had a sour feeling about that one even though the Lutheran Pastor who had caused it was long gone. After Louise's death, Dad had gone to see the Lutheran pastor there, only to be told the man had no time to see him. Then he found out that Dad had come to contribute a portion of Louise's estate to the church. Then the Lutheran pastor suddenly had all the time in the world. Such a mercenary attitude did not set will with Dad, and he never forgot it.
Dad financed the education of a Lutheran Seminary student whom he never met. He simply made monthly contributions to the young man's support. There was never any contact between the two. I assume the young man never knew where the money came from or there surely would have been a thank you letter somewhere along the way.
Dad gave a portion of Louise's estate to Elmhurst College (a UCC School in suburban Chicago) to establish the Louise Altenbernd Memorial Scholarship Fund. It yields $50 a semester and is still there. It isn't much anymore, but originally $50 a semester meant a lot to a needy student. One of my Eden Seminary Classmates (Oddly enough, I can't remember who) was one of the recipients of that and asked me once if Louise Altenbernd was a relation of mine.)
Dad and Uncle Carl went together to attend the St. Louis World's Fair in 1904. Dad also made frequent trips to St. Louis in later years (300 miles) to see baseball games, quite a trip in the 1920's.
Dad never went fishing, despite living by the Kaw River. He found fishing to be boring. But he was a hunter. I used to go along with him, but it never rubbed off on me. I got no joy out of seeing squirrels and rabbits shot.
Dad was especially proud of his shot gun, and he belonged to the Lawrence Gun Club, often going to shoot clay pigeons there in the evenings or on Sunday afternoons. He was a reasonably good shot.
Dad enjoyed dining out, and would do so frequently, even alone, becoming close friends with George Spears, a Greek immigrant who owned the DeLuxe Cafe, one of the nicest places in Lawrence. He was also friends with the owner partners of the Green Lantern, also both Greek immigrants. Dad's favorite was a steak dinner.
Dad traveled a lot before his marriage, usually on arranged tours. I don't know where all he traveled, but I know he enjoyed the West. I know he once took a boat trip through the Panama Canal. Whether or not he went on from there to the West Coast, I don't know.
Over the years Dad dated Hilda Ziesnies (I knew her later as Mrs. Dana Kidd) and a woman named Hattie (I don't know her maiden name) whom I knew as Mrs. Douglas Harris. There must have been others too, but I don't know who they were.
Dad enjoyed alcoholic beverages, but there was never a time I knew him to be drunk of tipsy, and there are no stories about him in that regard. Even after Prohibition was repealed, Kansas remained a dry state, except for 3.2% beer. Dad had no qualms about buying whiskey in Kansas City, MO, and smuggling it home. Sometimes he bought from Kansas bootleggers. Potato buyers could seal a deal with Dad for a car load of potatoes by throwing in a fifth of whiskey.
Dad also chewed tobacco (Days o Work) and smoked cigars (White Owl).
Dad had his clothes tailor made and got shaves at the barber shop. He never shaved himself.
He always had an eye for a pretty girl ( a harmless admiration), a trait that never changed even after his marriage. He had what he called his "daughters" all over Eudora. He was open with his compliments to them. This never bothered Mon, knowing it was admiration for a pretty sight and nothing more. He was always delighted at seeing young men that he knew out on a date. "So and so has got himself a skirt," he would say.
He liked children and had a remarkable ability to make immediate friends with any of them even strangers on the street. There is a story Mom told me about the two of them walking down the street of Lawrence one day. A young mother was walking toward them with a little boy in hand who was screaming and pulling and giving her fits. When they got to Dad, Dad stooped down and said to the little boy, "Hey now, what's the idea of pulling something like this?" The little boy immediately quieted down. The grateful young mother thanked Dad.
I assume Dad's early politics were Democratic like the rest of the Altenbernds. I know he had a continuing admiration for Al Smith, the Democratic Presidential candidate in 1928. He had little use for Herbert Hoover, blaming him for the depression. But he didn't like Franklin Roosevelt either for reasons I don't know. He was unenthusiastically voting Republican in the years I knew him.
He had a particular thing against Theodore Roosevelt. Occasionally there would be a movie with some actor playing T.R. Dad would unfailingly give a disgusted grunt and make a face when he came on screen.
Dad never swore in my hearing. I really don't think he ever swore.
He would laugh at drunks when he saw them out somewhere. Getting drunk was no sign of maturity or manliness so far as Dad was concerned. Drinking was for pleasure, not for getting drunk. That difference was clear and distinct to Dad.
I can't remember anything special about my 12th birthday, May 5, 1941. It had to be on a Monday that year, so it was a school day. I was in the sixth grade at the little red brick, one room Kaw Valley School. Miss Coila Thurber, to become Mrs. Kenneth Hegeman during the summer, was my teacher, and would remain so for the next two years. She was my favorite teacher of grade school days. She was 24, brunette, and quite pretty. I had quite a crush on her in fact. My folks liked her too, especially Dad who always had an admiring, and innocent, eye for a pretty girl. Dad liked to tease her about her impending marriage. Kenneth (or Kay as he was known) Hegeman worked at Green Brothers farm implement place in Lawrence, and Dad knew him from there.
I wish I could remember that birthday because it was to be the last one of its kind. There would be no more birthdays with my father present. I do remember that I got a little stamp album from my father as a present. I had recently gotten interested in stamp collecting. It proved to be a fortunate new hobby for my, occupying my mind and interest at a time when my nice, safe little world became pretty thoroughly shattered.
Other than that, I have no memory of my 12th birthday. I don't even remember what Mom gave me.
Saturday night was always something of a ritual. Dad would quit work early, get cleaned up, and prepare for an evening in Lawrence. That meant supper out, usually at the DeLuxe Restaurant, sometimes at the Green Lantern. The DeLuxe was the nice place. Dad knew the proprietors of both places on a personal, first name basis the waitresses too. As I said, he always had an eye for a pretty girl. (There was one set of tables at the DeLuxe Dad always avoided because he thought the waitress was ugly. She really wasn't that bad, as I recall, but the others were prettier.)
-
William was born at home as were all of the Altenbernd children.
On August 2, 1919, Will wrote a check to Eudora State Bank for $10,000 for the construction of the new farm house.
Will died on May 24, 1941. Services were held May 27, 1941 at St. Paul's Evangelical Church in Eudora, Kansas. He was then laid to rest at the Eudora Cemetery. Pall bearers were Herbert Altenbernd (#100), Homer Altenbernd (#101), Elmer Altenbernd (#82), Albert Wichman (#157), Oscar Broers, and Veral Neis. Services were conducted by Rev. H. Reifschneider.
Several days after Will's death, Flora (#63) received a letter of condolences from their United States Congressman, U.S. Guyer.
William was born in Eudora, Douglas County, Kansas, USAG, on 24 November 1885.2,3,4 He was the son of Friedrich Wilhelm Altenbernd and Katharine Hill.
His common name was Willie. Other sources show William John Altenbernd was born in November 1886 in Kansas, USA.5
Photo of Carl and Will Altenbernd taken by Morris circa 1888 Lawrence, Douglas County, Kansas, USA. Original photo in the possession of Sheila Altenbernd (#172) as of 2023.6
Photo in 1888.
Photo of Carl and Will Altenbernd in 1888. Original photo in the possession of Sue Myers (#130.)
They was a student at Kaw Valley, District No. 12, Douglas County, Kansas, USA, in 1898.7
Photo.
William John Altenbernd was listed as Friedrich Wilhelm Altenbernd's son on the 1900 Federal Census in Eudora Township, Douglas County, Kansas, USA, enumerated 11 June 1900.8
His birth date was listed as November 1886, age 13. He was born in Kansas. His father was born in Germany. His mother was born in Germany.5 His occupation was student. He was able to read, able to write, and able to speak English.5 He attended school for 6 months.5
Photo of Altenbernd Family (About 1905)
Left to Right Back Row: William, Emil Holzel, Fredericka Hoelzel, Fred, Mary (Fred's wife), Carl, Louise
Left To Right Front Row: Frank Hoelzel, Katharina Helzel, Wilhelm (Father), Magadalina, Katherine (Mother), Louis
Children: Hildegarde Hoelzel, Francis Hoelzel circa 1905. Original photo in the possession of Sheila Altenbernd (#172.)9
William worked. He worked as Farmer.
The following item appeared Eudora Weekly News, Eudora, Douglas County, Kansas, USA, on 27 November 1908
The following item appeared Eudora Weekly News, Eudora, Douglas County, Kansas, USA, on 11 December 1908
The following item appeared Eudora Weekly News, Eudora, Douglas County, Kansas, USA, on 14 May 1909
Miss Gusta Ziesenis entertained the members of St. Paul's League last Friday evening. Progressive flinch was the order of the evening. Sixteen took part in the game, while the rest amused themselves in various other ways. Miss Anna Kimley of Holstein, Neb., and Will Altenbernd won first prize and Miss Anna Schulze of Sabin, Minn., and Carl Schlegel won the consolation prize. Sandwiches, cake and ice cream were served. The evening closed with select reading, song by the league and a prayer by the pastor.12
The following item appeared Eudora Weekly News, Eudora, Douglas County, Kansas, USA, on 17 December 1909
Photo at Panana Canal.
The following item appeared at Eudora News, Eudora, Douglas County, Kansas, USA, on 20 October 1910
The following item appeared Eudora Weekly News, Eudora, Douglas County, Kansas, USA, on 13 June 1912
The following item appeared at Eudora News, Eudora, Douglas County, Kansas, USA, on 1 May 1913
The following item appeared Eudora Weekly News, Eudora, Douglas County, Kansas, USA, on 26 June 1913
The following item appeared Eudora Weekly News, Eudora, Douglas County, Kansas, USA, on 25 September 1913
The following item appeared Eudora Weekly News, Eudora, Douglas County, Kansas, USA, on 28 January 1915
Kaw Valley boasts a gun club which meets each month. The last meeting was held at Mr. Wm Altenbernd's. Fred Altenbemd is champion marksman so far.19
The following item appeared The Jeffersonian Gazette, Lawrence, Douglas County, Kansas, USA, on 29 September 1915
The following item appeared Eudora Weekly News, Eudora, Douglas County, Kansas, USA, on 28 October 1915
J. M. Tarleton and Will Altenbernd returned Friday night from their visit at the Pan-American Exposition.
(NOTE: John Altenbernd always said his Dad had sailed through the Panama Canal. I wonder if possibly he attended the Panama Canal Exposition instead. Stories can sometimes get confused as they are passed down.)21
The following item appeared The Jefferson Gazette, Lawrence, Douglas County, Kansas, USA, on 5 July 1916
The following item appeared The Jeffersonian Gazette, Lawrence, Douglas County, Kansas, USA, on 11 October 1916
The following item appeared Eudora Weekly News, Eudora, Douglas County, Kansas, USA, on 19 October 1916
NOTE: Babe Ruth was on the Boston Red Sox Roster for this World Series. He only played one game so its impossible to say whether Will actually saw him or not. At this point, Babe Ruth was a nobody so it wouldn't have meant much to Will at the time.24
Photo.
The following item appeared Eudora Weekly News, Eudora, Douglas County, Kansas, USA, on 30 August 1917
The farmers are greatly encouraged over corn prospects. If frost keeps off until about the middle of October then outlook is for plenty of corn. Corn that several weeks ago looked like a complete failure, now is putting out in fine tassels and two and three shoots to the stalk. Will Altenbernd of Kaw Valley thinks his corn will make as good a crop as ever he raised.25
The following item appeared Eudora Weekly News, Eudora, Douglas County, Kansas, USA, on 11 October 1917
Will Altenbernd left Thursday, for Minnesota, to visit his brother, Louis.26
Photo of Herb Altenberd, Will Altenbernd, Irene Schaake. Original photo in the possession of Sue Myers (#130.)
Photo taken by Photo is missing on this tag.
Photo of William Altenbernd and Fred Stoerker in May 1918. Original photo in the possession of Sue Myers (#130.)27
The start of World War I caused the United States to institute a draft registration. As the war continued to drag on, they instituted their third and final draft registration. This added men who were between the ages of 18 and 21, and 31 to 45 years of age. It included younger men than the previous registrations, those who were born between September 12, 1897 and September 12, 1900; and added an older group of men, born between September 12, 1873 and September 12, 1888. William John Altenbernd filled out a draft card on 12 September 1918 at RFD 2, Douglas County, Kansas, USA. He was employed as a farmer. He was described as medium height and stout build, with gray eyes and dark brown partially bald hair. Carl Conrad Altenbernd was listed as his nearest relative.28
The following item appeared Eudora Weekly News, Eudora, Douglas County, Kansas, USA, on 18 November 1918
Will Altenbernd is in Sabin, Minn.29
The following item appeared Eudora Weekly News, Eudora, Douglas County, Kansas, USA, on 21 November 1918
Photo in 1919 in Eudora, Douglas County, Kansas, USAG.
Photo.
( in 1919.)31
Photo.
William John Altenbernd owned a Ford and Dodge in 1920 RR2, Lawrence, Douglas County, Kansas, USA.32
William John Altenbernd was afflicted with baldness. He was bald at a young age.
Photo.
They resided Eudora Section 35SW, RR2, Lawrence, Douglas County, Kansas, USA, in 1920. They owned 144 acres.33
Photo of Hilda Stoerker, Flora Stoerker, Will Altenbernd, Wilhelmine Stoerker, Alma Stoerker
on ground: Frederick and Eleanor Stoerker. Unknown who is being held. Original photo in the possession of Sue Myers (#130.)
Photo of Altenbernd Farm in 1927 Altenbernd Farm, Eudora, Douglas County, Kansas, USA. Original photo in the possession of Sheila Altenbernd (#172.)6
Photo of On cot left to right -- ?, Ed Schaake, ?
In rear - ?,?,?, Harry Young
On right - William Altenbernd, Carl Altenbernd. Original photo in the possession of Sheila Altenbernd (#172.)6
William John Altenbernd married Flora Stoerker, daughter of Conrad Friedrich Stoerker and Wilhelmine Cuno, in Boonville, Cooper County, Missouri, USA, on 24 May 1927.6,2,34
Photo of Flora and Will Altenbernd on their wedding day on 24 May 1927 at Boonville, Cooper County, Missouri, USA. Original photo in the possession of Sheila Altenbernd (#172.)27
Photo of Hilda Stoerker, Flora Stoerker, Will Altenbernd, Wilhelmine Stoerker, Alma Stoerker
On Ground -- Frederick and Eleanor Stoerker circa 27 May 1927. Original photo in the possession of Sheila Altenbernd (#172.)6
Photo of Will and Flora Altenbernd. Original photo in the possession of Sheila Altenbernd (#172.)6
Photo of Will and Flora Altenbernd. Original photo in the possession of Sheila Altenbernd (#172.)6
Photo of Will and Flora Altenbernd. Original photo in the possession of Sheila Altenbernd (#172.)6
William John Altenbernd received a letter from Wilhelmine Stoerker circa January 1929.
William John Altenbernd was mentioned in a lettter sent by Adolph Stoerker and Flora Altenbernd residing at 4715 Main Avenue, Norwood, Ohio, USA, on 10 May 1929.
Photo of Will Altenbernd (#55), John Altenbernd (#102) and Flora Altenbernd (#63) in June 1929. Original photo in the possession of Sheila Altenbernd (#172). John 5 weeks old.6
William John Altenbernd received a letter from Julia Stoerker on 13 June 1929. St. Charles, Mo.
June 13, 1929
Dear Flora & William
I didn't forget to write. I've just been so busy - and since momma wrote you soon after the announcement of little John's arrivals, I put off writing until now when there are no more lesson assignments made for the next day.
Although I'm rather later, I congratulate you most heartily, and I hope that little John will fill your lives with sunshine. I don't know what gifts he may have received by this time, or what he could still use, so I'm enclosing a dollar for which you may get him a little remembrance or put in his bank. I'm real anxious to see him. Carroll and Emma were here this P.M. and we told Carroll that you would bring John along in a basket. He looked so funny and said, "in a basket?"
I hope you and John are well. I suppose Helen is still with you. You spoke so much of Helen when you were here that I almost feel as though I've met her. Its fine that she can be with you. And how is little Homer? The cow sure must have been working good when Alma was up there or we wouldn't have had that delicious cottage cheese, ha, ha! Guess you know what I mean. I believe that was the best cottage cheese I ever ate. No wonder Alma got so fleshy - you fed her too well.
Rev. Orlowskys celebrated their silver wedding anniversary last Sunday. Ella, mamma, Mrs. Rev. Schmale, and I were out there. It was a lovely day. After the service we all had lunch out on the lawn where the ladies had set the tables. I've had some real sandwiches. Mrs. Schmale was here again for a few days. This time I had to do the cooking (I know you're not sorry). She is planning to spend the winter in Ann Arbor, Mich. I'm glad we could have her with us again - she sure is getting old.
Will close, for tonight. Hope to see you before many more weeks.
With lots of love to all,
Julia
This is a translation of the note Wilhelmine enclosed.
St. Charles, Mo.
May the 6th, 1929
My Dear Ones!
To our great joy we received this morning at about half past nine o'clock the news of the birth of our dear little son – we rejoice with you, dear ones – and thank especially the faithful God - that He has made everything well, and graciously helped so far. May He continue to be with us - so that also Flora will soon recover and become strong again – now that she also has become a mother - also a great grace of God, for which we cannot be grateful enough.
With love, kisses and greetings - especially a sweet kiss to the little Altenbernd.
Julia and Wilhelmine Stoerker.37
William John Altenbernd received a letter from Wilhelmine Stoerker on 21 December 1929.
William John Altenbernd, residing at RR2, Lawrence, Kansas received a letter from Wilhelmine Stoerker from Lawrence, Kansas,residing at at 1021 South 4th Street, St Charles, St Charles County, Missouri, USA, on 28 December 1929. The original is in German.
Photo of Front: Homer Altenbernd, Ed Schaacke, Katherine Young, and Carl Altenbernd
Back: ?, ?, Hugo Hoelzel, Harry Young, and Will Altenbernd circa 1930 near Ed Schaake Farm, Eudora, Douglas County, Kansas, USA. Original photo in the possession of Sheila Altenbernd (#172) as of 2023.6
(.)40
Photo of Pigs on the Will Altenbernd Farm near Will Altenbernd Farm, Eudora, Douglas County, Kansas, USA. Original photo in the possession of Sheila Altenbernd (#172) as of 2023.6
Photo of Will Altenbernd in stocking cap. Original photo in the possession of Sue Myers (#130.)
Photo early 1930's in Eudora, Douglas County, Kansas, USAG.
They resided in Eudora, Douglas County, Kansas, USA, in 1930.6
Photo circa 1931 in Eudora Township, Douglas County, Kansas, USA. Original photo in the possession of Sheila Altenbernd (#172). Will Altenbernd (#55) and John Altenbernd (#102) and Shep.6
William John Altenbernd was mentioned in a lettter sent by Friedaricka Elizabeth Hoelzel residing at at 2732 Gillham Road, Kansas City, Jackson County, Missouri, USA, to Flora Altenbernd on 1 July 1931.
Dearest Flora,
I have intended writing to you for some time. We enjoyed getting John's picture so much, it is very good of him. I showed it to Mrs. Kobrock and she immediately said that he is a Stoerker in looks. Of course that is true and is very complementary to you. Thanks a lot for the picture.
It has been so very hot here for two weeks and for those who are and have to be busy in the sun I feel plenty sorry, for it is more than I appreciate and I can stay in and make myself as nearly comfortable as possible. I mean the heat is more than I appreciate. I guess Will and Carl are digging potatoes now, and I so hope they get a good price. It is so discouraging to put the money and labor in for a crop and then get such prices as the farmers are getting for wheat. I am about sure that never before has wheat been so cheap. The country is full of food supplies and there are so many people coming to my door every day for a little to eat. Prices with us too have changed a great deal. So many people are out of work. Emil has had no extra business all year, so we are dependent on our rental income. I am very thankful that we saved our money when we made good money. I know so many people who lived off their entire income and now feel the depression very heavily. Claire starts her vacation Friday, she is looking forward to a good time with Harvey. He is taking a 12 weeks summer course in Midland and wants Claire there for one month. She will live in Dr. Martin's home but will have her meals and recreation with Harvey. He preached in our church the last two Sundays and did remarkably well. Dr. Band is in Portland and paid Harvey to fill his pulpit. Ruth is rather lonesome, she enjoyed her year at K.U. so much. I guess she will go again next year. Carl is home again, just got back from a 10 day trip to Oklahoma City. I often think about Louis. Have Will and Carl heard from him? I am truly sorry the way things stand with him but I know what it would mean to us had we listened to his plea.
I am piecing a flower garden quilt. I love it. I like to talk quilts to people who like that kind of work, And now I must close and would like to hear from or better yet to see you after the heat is over. Claire and Harvey will be here after the 10th of Aug. Come down sometime when they are here.
With love
Reaka.41
Photo circa 1932. Original photo in the possession of Sheila Altenbernd (#172). John Altenbernd (#102) aged 3 and Will Altenbernd (#55.)27
Photo of Frieda Mohr, Flora, John, and Will Altenbernd in 1933 in Colorado, USA. Original photo in the possession of Sue Myers (#130.)
Photo of Christian and Frieda Mohr, Will, John, and Flora Altenbernd, Waldemar Mohr in 1933 in Colorado, USA. Original photo in the possession of Sue Myers (#130.)
( Colorado, USA, in 1933.)42
Photo of Will Altenbernd (#55) and Old Tom near Eudora Township, Douglas County, Kansas, USA. Original photo in the possession of Sheila Altenbernd (#172) as of 2023.6
Photo.
Photo near Altenbernd Farm, Eudora Township, Douglas County, Kansas, USA. Original photo in the possession of Sheila Altenbernd (#172). Altenbernd Farm.6
Photo near Altenbernd Farm, Eudora Township, Douglas County, Kansas, USA. Original photo in the possession of Sheila Altenbernd (#172). Farm Animals.6
William John Altenbernd received a letter from Adolph Stoerker,residing at Gary, Indiana, USA, on 10 February 1935.
William John Altenbernd received a postcard from Adolph Stoerker on 19 April 1935.
Photo late 1930's in Eudora, Douglas County, Kansas, USAG.
( Eudora, Douglas County, Kansas, USA, in 1940.)45
William John Altenbernd was listed as the head of household on the 1940 US Federal Census of Eudora Township, Douglas County, Kansas, enumerated 13 May 1940. Also living in the household were his wife, Flora , and his son, John Stoerker. His age at his last birth date was listed as 54. He was born in Kansas. He was married. He owned his home. The value of the property was $3500. He did live on a farm. He had not attended school since March 1, 1940. His highest grade completed was 8th.46 His address on April 1, 1935 was Eudora Township, Kansas. It did a farm.46 He worked 40 hours the week of March 25 to March 30, 1940. His occupation is farmer . He worked in the farming industry. He worked 52 weeks in 1939. His salary was $0 . He did have other sources of income. He also appears on farm schedule 148.46
William died on 24 May 1941 in Eudora, Douglas County, Kansas, USAG, at age 55.6,4 He was buried on 27 May 1941 Eudora City Cemetery, Eudora, Douglas County, Kansas, USA, at. His grave is in section E lot 478.47,6,48
William John Altenbernd was mentioned in a lettter sent by residing at at House of Representatives, Washington, DC, USA, to Flora Altenbernd,residing at Rural Route #2, Lawrence, Kansas on 28 May 1941. Congress of the United States
House of Representatives
Washington, D.C.
May 28, 1941
Mrs. William Altenbernd
Rural Route #2
Lawerence, Kansas
My dear Mrs. Altenbernd,
I was sorry to read in the Lawrence Journal World of the death of your good husband, and I want to extend to you and to the members of your family, my sincere and heartfeld condolences in this time of sorrow. Mr. Altenbernd was a fine mand and his early passing is a real loss to the community and to his many friends,
Mrs Guyer wishes to join me in this expression of profound sympathy and extends condolences in your bereavement.
Sincerely yours,
U.S. Guyer.49
His estate was probated on 10 July 1941 Douglas County, Kansas, USA,
William John Altenbernd received a postcard from Adolph Stoerker on 2 August 1953.
Photo of Flora and Will Altenbernd on their wedding day on 27 May 1955 in Boonville, Cooper County, Missouri, USA. Original photo in the possession of Sheila Altenbernd (#172.)27
William was known as "Willie" as a boy. He attended Kaw Valley School, District 12, Eudora Kansas. After an extended bachelorhood he married Flora Stoerker.
I know distressing little about Dad's life before he met my mother. Dad almost never talked about himself to me. What I do know all comes from my mother, told to me after Dad's death in 1941.
Dad was the youngest in a family of eight children. Dad's father died early on when Dad was teen age, and Dad took over the work of the farm, living there with his mother and his unmarried sister, Louise, until his mother's death. Then it was just he and Louise.
Dad attended the same red brick Kaw Valley School that I did, only the enrollment was much larger then. There were more families with large numbers of children. There was even a family that lived in a log dirt lean to by the Kaw River who sent a couple of kids to school.
Somewhere along the line Dad went to Kansas City and attended a Lutheran school for religious education, staying with one of the Hoelzel's I suppose. (I don't know if Dad's sisters, Reke and Kate, were married to the Hoelzel brothers yet at that time or not.)
Dad never went to high school. He would have had to go away to do it since there was no high school around then, and, Dad said, "No one ever suggested going." Dad could make bad spelling and reading errors, but that was about all that betrayed his lack of education. On his own initiative, he was well read (but not in an academic or literary sense), and made himself knowledgeable of what was going on around the world. His was not a parochial mind.
He never participated in sports as a child. He had buck teeth which must have been exceptionally bad (He wore dentures when I knew him), because he said he always had to take special care that a ball or something didn't hit him in the face and knock out his teeth. So he just didn't play. But all his life he was an avid fan as a spectator baseball, football, and basketball. I know he followed the exploits of Joe Louis, but I don't think he was a particularly enthusiastic boxing fan generally.
My grandparents were Lutheran by heritage, but in the absence of a local Lutheran Church, they were among the founding families of St. Paul's German Evangelical Church in Eudora, Kansas. That was my grandparents' church until their deaths, but only dad and Uncle Carl stayed with St. Paul's later. (The other brothers and sisters reverted to the Lutheran faith when opportunity arose even Dad's sister Louise. Even though they lived together, Dad went to St. Paul's in Eudora and Louise went to the Lutheran Church in Lawrence.)
Dad too retained a certain fondness for the Lutheran Church. He would listen to "The Lutheran Hour" on the radio, and occasionally during the Lenten Season he would go to Lawrence by himself to attend a Lutheran Lenten Service. This in no way negated or dissipated his loyalty and support of St. Paul's in Eudora.
He would not go to the Lutheran Church Louise had gone to and to which Aunt Maggie Schaacke still went. He went to a different Lutheran Church. He had a sour feeling about that one even though the Lutheran Pastor who had caused it was long gone. After Louise's death, Dad had gone to see the Lutheran pastor there, only to be told the man had no time to see him. Then he found out that Dad had come to contribute a portion of Louise's estate to the church. Then the Lutheran pastor suddenly had all the time in the world. Such a mercenary attitude did not set will with Dad, and he never forgot it.
Dad financed the education of a Lutheran Seminary student whom he never met. He simply made monthly contributions to the young man's support. There was never any contact between the two. I assume the young man never knew where the money came from or there surely would have been a thank you letter somewhere along the way.
Dad gave a portion of Louise's estate to Elmhurst College (a UCC School in suburban Chicago) to establish the Louise Altenbernd Memorial Scholarship Fund. It yields $50 a semester and is still there. It isn't much anymore, but originally $50 a semester meant a lot to a needy student. One of my Eden Seminary Classmates (Oddly enough, I can't remember who) was one of the recipients of that and asked me once if Louise Altenbernd was a relation of mine.)
Dad and Uncle Carl went together to attend the St. Louis World's Fair in 1904. Dad also made frequent trips to St. Louis in later years (300 miles) to see baseball games, quite a trip in the 1920's.
Dad never went fishing, despite living by the Kaw River. He found fishing to be boring. But he was a hunter. I used to go along with him, but it never rubbed off on me. I got no joy out of seeing squirrels and rabbits shot.
Dad was especially proud of his shot gun, and he belonged to the Lawrence Gun Club, often going to shoot clay pigeons there in the evenings or on Sunday afternoons. He was a reasonably good shot.
Dad enjoyed dining out, and would do so frequently, even alone, becoming close friends with George Spears, a Greek immigrant who owned the DeLuxe Cafe, one of the nicest places in Lawrence. He was also friends with the owner partners of the Green Lantern, also both Greek immigrants. Dad's favorite was a steak dinner.
Dad traveled a lot before his marriage, usually on arranged tours. I don't know where all he traveled, but I know he enjoyed the West. I know he once took a boat trip through the Panama Canal. Whether or not he went on from there to the West Coast, I don't know.
Over the years Dad dated Hilda Ziesnies (I knew her later as Mrs. Dana Kidd) and a woman named Hattie (I don't know her maiden name) whom I knew as Mrs. Douglas Harris. There must have been others too, but I don't know who they were.
Dad enjoyed alcoholic beverages, but there was never a time I knew him to be drunk of tipsy, and there are no stories about him in that regard. Even after Prohibition was repealed, Kansas remained a dry state, except for 3.2% beer. Dad had no qualms about buying whiskey in Kansas City, MO, and smuggling it home. Sometimes he bought from Kansas bootleggers. Potato buyers could seal a deal with Dad for a car load of potatoes by throwing in a fifth of whiskey.
Dad also chewed tobacco (Days o Work) and smoked cigars (White Owl).
Dad had his clothes tailor made and got shaves at the barber shop. He never shaved himself.
He always had an eye for a pretty girl ( a harmless admiration), a trait that never changed even after his marriage. He had what he called his "daughters" all over Eudora. He was open with his compliments to them. This never bothered Mon, knowing it was admiration for a pretty sight and nothing more. He was always delighted at seeing young men that he knew out on a date. "So and so has got himself a skirt," he would say.
He liked children and had a remarkable ability to make immediate friends with any of them even strangers on the street. There is a story Mom told me about the two of them walking down the street of Lawrence one day. A young mother was walking toward them with a little boy in hand who was screaming and pulling and giving her fits. When they got to Dad, Dad stooped down and said to the little boy, "Hey now, what's the idea of pulling something like this?" The little boy immediately quieted down. The grateful young mother thanked Dad.
I assume Dad's early politics were Democratic like the rest of the Altenbernds. I know he had a continuing admiration for Al Smith, the Democratic Presidential candidate in 1928. He had little use for Herbert Hoover, blaming him for the depression. But he didn't like Franklin Roosevelt either for reasons I don't know. He was unenthusiastically voting Republican in the years I knew him.
He had a particular thing against Theodore Roosevelt. Occasionally there would be a movie with some actor playing T.R. Dad would unfailingly give a disgusted grunt and make a face when he came on screen.
Dad never swore in my hearing. I really don't think he ever swore.
He would laugh at drunks when he saw them out somewhere. Getting drunk was no sign of maturity or manliness so far as Dad was concerned. Drinking was for pleasure, not for getting drunk. That difference was clear and distinct to Dad.
I can't remember anything special about my 12th birthday, May 5, 1941. It had to be on a Monday that year, so it was a school day. I was in the sixth grade at the little red brick, one room Kaw Valley School. Miss Coila Thurber, to become Mrs. Kenneth Hegeman during the summer, was my teacher, and would remain so for the next two years. She was my favorite teacher of grade school days. She was 24, brunette, and quite pretty. I had quite a crush on her in fact. My folks liked her too, especially Dad who always had an admiring, and innocent, eye for a pretty girl. Dad liked to tease her about her impending marriage. Kenneth (or Kay as he was known) Hegeman worked at Green Brothers farm implement place in Lawrence, and Dad knew him from there.
I wish I could remember that birthday because it was to be the last one of its kind. There would be no more birthdays with my father present. I do remember that I got a little stamp album from my father as a present. I had recently gotten interested in stamp collecting. It proved to be a fortunate new hobby for my, occupying my mind and interest at a time when my nice, safe little world became pretty thoroughly shattered.
Other than that, I have no memory of my 12th birthday. I don't even remember what Mom gave me.
Saturday night was always something of a ritual. Dad would quit work early, get cleaned up, and prepare for an evening in Lawrence. That meant supper out, usually at the DeLuxe Restaurant, sometimes at the Green Lantern. The DeLuxe was the nice place. Dad knew the proprietors of both places on a personal, first name basis the waitresses too. As I said, he always had an eye for a pretty girl. (There was one set of tables at the DeLuxe Dad always avoided because he thought the waitress was ugly. She really wasn't that bad, as I recall, but the others were prettier.)
-
William was born at home as were all of the Altenbernd children.
On August 2, 1919, Will wrote a check to Eudora State Bank for $10,000 for the construction of the new farm house.
Will died on May 24, 1941. Services were held May 27, 1941 at St. Paul's Evangelical Church in Eudora, Kansas. He was then laid to rest at the Eudora Cemetery. Pall bearers were Herbert Altenbernd (#100), Homer Altenbernd (#101), Elmer Altenbernd (#82), Albert Wichman (#157), Oscar Broers, and Veral Neis. Services were conducted by Rev. H. Reifschneider.
Several days after Will's death, Flora (#63) received a letter of condolences from their United States Congressman, U.S. Guyer.
Other sources show William John Altenbernd was born on 24 November 1884.1
William was born in Eudora, Douglas County, Kansas, USAG, on 24 November 1885.2,3,4 He was the son of Friedrich Wilhelm Altenbernd and Katharine Hill.
His common name was Willie. Other sources show William John Altenbernd was born in November 1886 in Kansas, USA.5
Photo of Carl and Will Altenbernd taken by Morris circa 1888 Lawrence, Douglas County, Kansas, USA. Original photo in the possession of Sheila Altenbernd (#172) as of 2023.6
Carl and Will Altenbernd
About 1888
About 1888
Photo in 1888.
Photo of Carl and Will Altenbernd in 1888. Original photo in the possession of Sue Myers (#130.)
Carl and Will Altenbernd - 1888
They was a student at Kaw Valley, District No. 12, Douglas County, Kansas, USA, in 1898.7
Photo.
William John Altenbernd was listed as Friedrich Wilhelm Altenbernd's son on the 1900 Federal Census in Eudora Township, Douglas County, Kansas, USA, enumerated 11 June 1900.8
Photo of Altenbernd Family (About 1905)
Left to Right Back Row: William, Emil Holzel, Fredericka Hoelzel, Fred, Mary (Fred's wife), Carl, Louise
Left To Right Front Row: Frank Hoelzel, Katharina Helzel, Wilhelm (Father), Magadalina, Katherine (Mother), Louis
Children: Hildegarde Hoelzel, Francis Hoelzel circa 1905. Original photo in the possession of Sheila Altenbernd (#172.)9
Altenbernd Family Picture
Altenbernd Family (About 1905)
Left to Right Back Row: William, Emil Holzel, Fredericka Hoelzel, Fred, Mary (Fred's wife), Carl, Louise
Left To Right Front Row: Frank Hoelzel, Katharina Helzel, Wilhelm (Father), Magadalina, Katherine (Mother), Louis
Children: Hildegarde Hoelzel, Francis Hoelzel
Left to Right Back Row: William, Emil Holzel, Fredericka Hoelzel, Fred, Mary (Fred's wife), Carl, Louise
Left To Right Front Row: Frank Hoelzel, Katharina Helzel, Wilhelm (Father), Magadalina, Katherine (Mother), Louis
Children: Hildegarde Hoelzel, Francis Hoelzel
William worked. He worked as Farmer.
The following item appeared Eudora Weekly News, Eudora, Douglas County, Kansas, USA, on 27 November 1908
NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS.
Items of Interest Gathered by Our Special Correspondents
KAW VALLEY.
Wm. Altenberud returned home last week after spending two mouths with his brother, Louis, of Sabin, Minn. He enjoyed his visit greatly, but says it is much colder up there.10
Items of Interest Gathered by Our Special Correspondents
KAW VALLEY.
Wm. Altenberud returned home last week after spending two mouths with his brother, Louis, of Sabin, Minn. He enjoyed his visit greatly, but says it is much colder up there.10
The following item appeared Eudora Weekly News, Eudora, Douglas County, Kansas, USA, on 11 December 1908
Louis Altenbernd
Of Sabin. Minn, is going to furnish 2,000 bushels of the very best Red River Ohios to parties who will plant them on shares. Mr. Altenbernd will furnish the seed potatoes, will pay one-half the picking, one-half the sacks, one-half of Paris Green in case of bugs -- expect to have a 25-acre a day sprayer on the grounds -- for one-half the potatoes, f. o. b. cars. Will be on grounds at digging time. His experience in the potato business will enable the parties to obtain better prices.
The potatoes will have to be planted on best Kaw Valley land, well tended, planted early and put on early market. Louis Altenbernd expects to be home in a few weeks, where he will sign up the contracts. Anyone wishing to obtain some of the contracts should write his brothers, Carl or Will, R. R. No. 2. Lawrence, Kans., at once. He will not furnish over 200 bushels to any one party. Here is a chance to make some money without any risk. Don't miss the chance.11
Of Sabin. Minn, is going to furnish 2,000 bushels of the very best Red River Ohios to parties who will plant them on shares. Mr. Altenbernd will furnish the seed potatoes, will pay one-half the picking, one-half the sacks, one-half of Paris Green in case of bugs -- expect to have a 25-acre a day sprayer on the grounds -- for one-half the potatoes, f. o. b. cars. Will be on grounds at digging time. His experience in the potato business will enable the parties to obtain better prices.
The potatoes will have to be planted on best Kaw Valley land, well tended, planted early and put on early market. Louis Altenbernd expects to be home in a few weeks, where he will sign up the contracts. Anyone wishing to obtain some of the contracts should write his brothers, Carl or Will, R. R. No. 2. Lawrence, Kans., at once. He will not furnish over 200 bushels to any one party. Here is a chance to make some money without any risk. Don't miss the chance.11
The following item appeared Eudora Weekly News, Eudora, Douglas County, Kansas, USA, on 14 May 1909
Miss Gusta Ziesenis entertained the members of St. Paul's League last Friday evening. Progressive flinch was the order of the evening. Sixteen took part in the game, while the rest amused themselves in various other ways. Miss Anna Kimley of Holstein, Neb., and Will Altenbernd won first prize and Miss Anna Schulze of Sabin, Minn., and Carl Schlegel won the consolation prize. Sandwiches, cake and ice cream were served. The evening closed with select reading, song by the league and a prayer by the pastor.12
The following item appeared Eudora Weekly News, Eudora, Douglas County, Kansas, USA, on 17 December 1909
NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS.
Items of Interest Gathered by Our Speical Correspondents.
Kaw Valley.
Mrs. Wm. Altenbernd and son i Will, have had a seige of la grippe (influenza), but are recovering.13
Items of Interest Gathered by Our Speical Correspondents.
Kaw Valley.
Mrs. Wm. Altenbernd and son i Will, have had a seige of la grippe (influenza), but are recovering.13
Photo at Panana Canal.
The following item appeared at Eudora News, Eudora, Douglas County, Kansas, USA, on 20 October 1910
NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS.
Items of Interest Gathered by Our Speical Correspondents.
Kaw Valley.
Wm. Altenbernd broke a bone in his hand while shucking corn.14
Items of Interest Gathered by Our Speical Correspondents.
Kaw Valley.
Wm. Altenbernd broke a bone in his hand while shucking corn.14
The following item appeared Eudora Weekly News, Eudora, Douglas County, Kansas, USA, on 13 June 1912
NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS.
Items of Interest Gathered by Our Speical Correspondents.
Kaw Valley.
Will Altenbernd has a new buggy.15
Items of Interest Gathered by Our Speical Correspondents.
Kaw Valley.
Will Altenbernd has a new buggy.15
The following item appeared at Eudora News, Eudora, Douglas County, Kansas, USA, on 1 May 1913
Card of Thanks
Card of Thanks.
We wish to express our sincere thanks to our friends and neighbors who so kindly assisted us during the sickness and death of our dear mother; also for the beautiful floral offerings,
MRS. FRANK HOELZEL,
MISS LOUISA ALTENBERND,
FRED ALTENBERND,
LOUIS ALTENBERND,
MRS.EMIL HOELZEL,
MRS. ED SCHAAKE,
CARL ALTENBERND,
WILL ALTENBERND.16
Card of Thanks.
We wish to express our sincere thanks to our friends and neighbors who so kindly assisted us during the sickness and death of our dear mother; also for the beautiful floral offerings,
MRS. FRANK HOELZEL,
MISS LOUISA ALTENBERND,
FRED ALTENBERND,
LOUIS ALTENBERND,
MRS.EMIL HOELZEL,
MRS. ED SCHAAKE,
CARL ALTENBERND,
WILL ALTENBERND.16
The following item appeared Eudora Weekly News, Eudora, Douglas County, Kansas, USA, on 26 June 1913
BIG POTATO YEAR.
Digging Will Start July 5, and Yield Will Be 125 Bushels Per Acre.
---------------
This is a good potato year in the Kaw Valley, according to representatives of the railroad companies who have been investigating with a view to finding what shipping facilities will have to be provided. The Santa Fe Company has estimated that at least 600 cars will be required to handle the crop. The acreage is large in the Valley this year, the weather conditions have been just right for potato growing, and there are prospects of an excellent crop.
The Eudora neighborhood is the place in Douglas county where the most potatoes will be produced. The average yield per acre is estimated at 125 bushels. The Santa Fe railroad estimates the acreage on its side of the river from Bonner Springs to Topeka at 3,305. Fully as large an acreage will be harvested on the north side of the river, and it may run larger. Shipments will start about July 5, and the shipping season will last from seven to nine weeks. The men who are raising potatoes and the acreage in the territory tributary to Eudora on the south side of the river, are as follows:
Kaw Valley.............Acres
Chris Schaake.............40
Wm. Schaake.............10
Carl Altenbernd...........40
Wm. Altenbernd..........60
C. G. Perkins..............25
Link Walters...............50
Jack Hughes...............18
....
Robt. McFarland 12.17
Digging Will Start July 5, and Yield Will Be 125 Bushels Per Acre.
---------------
This is a good potato year in the Kaw Valley, according to representatives of the railroad companies who have been investigating with a view to finding what shipping facilities will have to be provided. The Santa Fe Company has estimated that at least 600 cars will be required to handle the crop. The acreage is large in the Valley this year, the weather conditions have been just right for potato growing, and there are prospects of an excellent crop.
The Eudora neighborhood is the place in Douglas county where the most potatoes will be produced. The average yield per acre is estimated at 125 bushels. The Santa Fe railroad estimates the acreage on its side of the river from Bonner Springs to Topeka at 3,305. Fully as large an acreage will be harvested on the north side of the river, and it may run larger. Shipments will start about July 5, and the shipping season will last from seven to nine weeks. The men who are raising potatoes and the acreage in the territory tributary to Eudora on the south side of the river, are as follows:
Kaw Valley.............Acres
Chris Schaake.............40
Wm. Schaake.............10
Carl Altenbernd...........40
Wm. Altenbernd..........60
C. G. Perkins..............25
Link Walters...............50
Jack Hughes...............18
....
Robt. McFarland 12.17
The following item appeared Eudora Weekly News, Eudora, Douglas County, Kansas, USA, on 25 September 1913
KAW VALLEY.
Will Altenbernd returned from Sabin, Minn., last Sunday. He visited with his brothers, Fred and Lewis. On his way home he stopped off in Kansas City and visited his sisters, the Mrs. Hoelzels.18
Will Altenbernd returned from Sabin, Minn., last Sunday. He visited with his brothers, Fred and Lewis. On his way home he stopped off in Kansas City and visited his sisters, the Mrs. Hoelzels.18
The following item appeared Eudora Weekly News, Eudora, Douglas County, Kansas, USA, on 28 January 1915
Kaw Valley boasts a gun club which meets each month. The last meeting was held at Mr. Wm Altenbernd's. Fred Altenbemd is champion marksman so far.19
The following item appeared The Jeffersonian Gazette, Lawrence, Douglas County, Kansas, USA, on 29 September 1915
Kaw Valley
Mr. Will Altenbernd expects to leave for California the first of October.20
Mr. Will Altenbernd expects to leave for California the first of October.20
The following item appeared Eudora Weekly News, Eudora, Douglas County, Kansas, USA, on 28 October 1915
J. M. Tarleton and Will Altenbernd returned Friday night from their visit at the Pan-American Exposition.
(NOTE: John Altenbernd always said his Dad had sailed through the Panama Canal. I wonder if possibly he attended the Panama Canal Exposition instead. Stories can sometimes get confused as they are passed down.)21
The following item appeared The Jefferson Gazette, Lawrence, Douglas County, Kansas, USA, on 5 July 1916
Kaw Valley
Mr. Will Altenbernd to Mr. Gus. Ziesines and Rev. Stocker, of Eudora, to Topeka Sunday afternoon and three miles out of the city they had a blow out which detained them for quite a while.22
Mr. Will Altenbernd to Mr. Gus. Ziesines and Rev. Stocker, of Eudora, to Topeka Sunday afternoon and three miles out of the city they had a blow out which detained them for quite a while.22
The following item appeared The Jeffersonian Gazette, Lawrence, Douglas County, Kansas, USA, on 11 October 1916
Kaw Valley
Mr. William Altenbernd is taking quite an extensive trip. He left for Texas and other southern points then expects to go by water around New Orleans then up to New York City and back home across the continent.23
Mr. William Altenbernd is taking quite an extensive trip. He left for Texas and other southern points then expects to go by water around New Orleans then up to New York City and back home across the continent.23
Photograph by altenbernd
The following item appeared Eudora Weekly News, Eudora, Douglas County, Kansas, USA, on 19 October 1916
PERSONAL
Will Altenbernd of Kaw Valley, is taking quite an extensive trip. He left here for Texas and other southern points, took a steamer at New Orleans for New York City, where he attended the Wold Series base ball games at Brooklyn.
Will Altenbernd of Kaw Valley, is taking quite an extensive trip. He left here for Texas and other southern points, took a steamer at New Orleans for New York City, where he attended the Wold Series base ball games at Brooklyn.
NOTE: Babe Ruth was on the Boston Red Sox Roster for this World Series. He only played one game so its impossible to say whether Will actually saw him or not. At this point, Babe Ruth was a nobody so it wouldn't have meant much to Will at the time.24
Photograph by altenbernd
Photo.
The following item appeared Eudora Weekly News, Eudora, Douglas County, Kansas, USA, on 30 August 1917
The farmers are greatly encouraged over corn prospects. If frost keeps off until about the middle of October then outlook is for plenty of corn. Corn that several weeks ago looked like a complete failure, now is putting out in fine tassels and two and three shoots to the stalk. Will Altenbernd of Kaw Valley thinks his corn will make as good a crop as ever he raised.25
Photograph by altenbernd
The following item appeared Eudora Weekly News, Eudora, Douglas County, Kansas, USA, on 11 October 1917
Will Altenbernd left Thursday, for Minnesota, to visit his brother, Louis.26
Photo of Herb Altenberd, Will Altenbernd, Irene Schaake. Original photo in the possession of Sue Myers (#130.)
Herb Altenberd, Will Altenbernd, Irene Schaake
Photo taken by Photo is missing on this tag.
Photo of William Altenbernd and Fred Stoerker in May 1918. Original photo in the possession of Sue Myers (#130.)27
Will Altenbernd and Fred Stoerker
The start of World War I caused the United States to institute a draft registration. As the war continued to drag on, they instituted their third and final draft registration. This added men who were between the ages of 18 and 21, and 31 to 45 years of age. It included younger men than the previous registrations, those who were born between September 12, 1897 and September 12, 1900; and added an older group of men, born between September 12, 1873 and September 12, 1888. William John Altenbernd filled out a draft card on 12 September 1918 at RFD 2, Douglas County, Kansas, USA. He was employed as a farmer. He was described as medium height and stout build, with gray eyes and dark brown partially bald hair. Carl Conrad Altenbernd was listed as his nearest relative.28
The following item appeared Eudora Weekly News, Eudora, Douglas County, Kansas, USA, on 18 November 1918
Will Altenbernd is in Sabin, Minn.29
The following item appeared Eudora Weekly News, Eudora, Douglas County, Kansas, USA, on 21 November 1918
EUDORA LOYAL TO THE BOYS IN KHAKI
______________
The city and Township Overscribed Quota in "Seven-In-One" Drive.
The subscriptions totaled over $4,000; the exact quota is $3850. The following in a detailed report:
...
Kaw Valley.
Carl Altenbernd, Don Westhelfer.
Altenbernd, Conrad...........$25.00
Altenbernd, Carl...............$60.00
Altenbernd, Louisa............$19.00
Altenbernd, Wm...............$75.00
....30
______________
The city and Township Overscribed Quota in "Seven-In-One" Drive.
The subscriptions totaled over $4,000; the exact quota is $3850. The following in a detailed report:
...
Kaw Valley.
Carl Altenbernd, Don Westhelfer.
Altenbernd, Conrad...........$25.00
Altenbernd, Carl...............$60.00
Altenbernd, Louisa............$19.00
Altenbernd, Wm...............$75.00
....30
Photo in 1919 in Eudora, Douglas County, Kansas, USAG.
Photo.
ME by John Altenbernd
The Great Courtship
It was early in 1919. The Rev Fred Stoerker was pastor of what was then called St. Paul's Evangelical Church of Eudora, Kansas. Among his parishioners was a "balding, bachelor farmer, William John Altenbernd, who lived west of Eudora in the Kaw Valley, about halfway between Eudora and Lawrence. The farm adjoined the Kansas River (or Kaw River as it was called locally) on the south side. He lived on the farm, still in the old Altenbernd homestead, with his unmarried sister, Louise. Will Altenbernd, as he was called, was then 33 years old.
Rev Fred Stoerker had a younger sister, Flora, who worked as a secretary in Jefferson City, Missouri, for the International Shoe Company office there. She was nearing 25. Fred and wife Hilda received a letter from her one day, informing them she was coming for a visit if that would be alright. She would come in on the evening train, which did not stop in Eudora. Could Fred meet her at the depot in Lawrence? She gave the date and time.
Well, of course that would be alright. They would be happy to see her again.
But something came up. Fred was not able to meet that evening train in Lawrence. He called Will Altenbernd and asked him if he would meet the train. (My mother always took all of this at its face value. But I've sometimes wondered in later years if Uncle Fred was really unable to meet that train. Could Uncle Fred and Aunt Hilda have been playing at matchmaking?) Will said he would meet her, and he did.
Maybe Will Altenbernd had seen a picture of Flora Stoerker beforehand, or maybe he had been impressed when his pastor had talked about his sister. In any event, Will evidently prepared himself beforehand, and he was not disappointed at what he saw emerge from the train.
When they got to the parsonage in Eudora - a ten mile trip or thereabouts - Will escorted her to the door with a package under his arm. When Hilda Stoerker greeted them at the door, Will pulled out two boxes of candy from his package, gave one to Hilda and the other to Flora, saying something to the effect that pretty girls always deserved something - an interesting remark in that it might be doubted Hilda Stoerker could ever have been regarded as a pretty girl, whatever else she was.
Will was invited in. He stayed for a while, and then left for home.
When Flora Stoerker got back to Jefferson City she soon got a letter in the mail, along with a box of chocolates, these coming from "Wm Altenbernd" with a postmark of Eudora, Kansas. Poor Flora couldn't for the life of her figure out who that was, an indication of the impression Will Altenbernd had made upon her. She couldn't even remember his name. She had to write her brother to find out who this "Wm Altenbernd" was. She had to find out. She couldn't just let it go because in the letter he said he wanted to drive to Jefferson City to see her.
"Let him come," her brother urged her. "He's a very nice man. It would be cruel just to give him a cold rejection." So, against her better judgment, but with the added urging of her friend and roommate, Ozie Bruce, Flora let him come.
I don't know the details of that first date, other than that it firmly encouraged Will Altenbernd and left Flora Stoerker realizing she had let herself in for something she wasn't sure she wanted, and which would now be very difficult to get rid of in any case.
The box of chocolates through the mail became a weekly thing. And a Eudora visitor to Jefferson City occurred with some frequency. Ozie Bruce was crazy about him (She called him "Bern"), but Flora Stoerker had serious misgivings. Will Altenbernd was obviously quite serious, and Flora Stoerker had long determined that there were two kinds of men she would never marry - if indeed she ever got married at all; a minister or a farmer. At length she sought openly to discourage him, but that didn't do any good. He kept writing. He kept sending candy, sometimes flowers. And he kept on coming to Jefferson City.
Not only were candy and flowers being sent, but a number of photographs began arriving. Will Altenbernd was in the process of tearing down the old homestead and was building a new one. The photos were pictures of the work in progress. (Dad later always said he had built the house for her. Whether or not he actually told her that in 1919 I don't know, but certainly the implication was plain enough.) Flora put the pictures in her photograph album. Will also put construction pictures in his album, along with the canceled check that paid for it - $10,000.
Immediately before one of his trips to Jefferson City, Will bought a new car. He had gotten no license plates for it as yet.
They had been applied for, but Will didn't wait around to pick them up. He drove on to Jefferson City without them.
He was in Jefferson City before some policeman finally stopped him and prepared to ticket him (or whatever was done in those days) for driving a car without an auto license.
But Will was not to be deterred by any mere policeman. "I've come all the way from Kansas," Will told him, "to see the prettiest girl in your town. Now you're not going to stop me from doing that, are you?"
The policeman waved him on, telling him to get those license plates before he drove anywhere else.
Mr. Hagens, a junior executive of the International Shoe Company, and Ozie's current boyfriend, upon hearing this story, got a piece of cardboard, wrote "License Applied For" on it, and stuck it onto Will's car. Will got safely back to Kansas and got his license plates.
Flora Stoerker was gradually giving in to this man, despite herself. But it took a long time. It would be a courtship of about eight years before there was a wedding. Most men would have given up long before then.
As time went on Flora Stoerker found herself occasionally taking trips to Kansas, even though her brother was no longer pastor there. She was always welcomed and treated royally by Will's sister Louise, who ran the farm house. The farm house, now long completed, was a beautiful thing. There are pictures of how Louise had it furnished.
On one of Flora's visits to Kansas, around 1926 I suppose, standing outside looking at the house, Will slipped a ring on Flora's finger. There were still many misgivings on Flora's part, but she did not take the ring off. She accepted it.
But once back in Jefferson City, doubts really assailed her. She went to work that Monday trying to hide her left hand, afraid somebody would see the ring. Of course, they saw it anyway. The office girls, especially Ozie, who worked there too, all knew Will by then, and they were overjoyed about it. Flora's doubts finally became resolved.
It was Will's intention that Louise keep living there at the farm house. After all, this was her home too. But Louise would have none of that. If Will married Flora, she would find a place of her own. That became academic, however. Louise came down with appendicitis, the appendix burst, and Louise did not survive the emergency surgery.
Page 36
There would be no great rush to a wedding, nor would it be a big wedding. In fact, there wouldn't even be any announcement of it in Eudora for a while afterward. Flora would go back to work at the Jefferson City office for a week or two to get things squared away there before coming on to Kansas.
The wedding itself would take place in Booneville, Missouri, in the parsonage of the church there. That was then the home of Fred and Hilda Stoerker, the witting or unwitting matchmakers of it all. Flora's sister, Alma, may have been there too.
The Rev Conrad Frederick Stoerker and his wife Wilhelmina would also be there, coming from St. Charles, Missouri, where they lived in retirement. They were the bride's parents. The Rev Conrad Frederick Stoerker would perform the ceremony for his daughter. It was May 24, 1927.
For some reason Rev Stoerker listed Flora's address as St. Charles when he filled out the marriage certificate, even though Flora had then lived in Jefferson City for some fifteen years.
Shortly thereafter, on June 13, 1927, Rev Conrad Frederick Stoerker would collapse in his bathroom. It was an aneurysm which would take his life within minutes.
So, as it turned out, the uniting in marriage of my parents was my grandfather's last wedding.
***********
I had always thought the farm house had been built later in the mid-Twenties, but Dad's canceled check for the house is dated August 2, 1919. If Dad did indeed build the house for my mother, as he always said he did, then he had remarkable confidence very early on - like within weeks of meeting her.
***********
I don't know how serious Ozie Bruce and Mr. Hagans were, but their relationship ended abruptly when Mr. Hagans got drunk one night and woke up the next morning to find himself married to the woman lying next to him. Mr. Hagans made no effort to get out of the marriage. I don't know if or for how long the marriage lasted. I have only the vaguest memory of Mr. Hagans when he was at the farm once when I was very small.
***********
The old Eudora parsonage in which the Fred Stoerkers lived was not torn down when the new one was built. It was sold and moved to what became Highway 10. It was still there when I was a boy. It had been sold again and had become a beer hall.
It was early in 1919. The Rev Fred Stoerker was pastor of what was then called St. Paul's Evangelical Church of Eudora, Kansas. Among his parishioners was a "balding, bachelor farmer, William John Altenbernd, who lived west of Eudora in the Kaw Valley, about halfway between Eudora and Lawrence. The farm adjoined the Kansas River (or Kaw River as it was called locally) on the south side. He lived on the farm, still in the old Altenbernd homestead, with his unmarried sister, Louise. Will Altenbernd, as he was called, was then 33 years old.
Rev Fred Stoerker had a younger sister, Flora, who worked as a secretary in Jefferson City, Missouri, for the International Shoe Company office there. She was nearing 25. Fred and wife Hilda received a letter from her one day, informing them she was coming for a visit if that would be alright. She would come in on the evening train, which did not stop in Eudora. Could Fred meet her at the depot in Lawrence? She gave the date and time.
Well, of course that would be alright. They would be happy to see her again.
But something came up. Fred was not able to meet that evening train in Lawrence. He called Will Altenbernd and asked him if he would meet the train. (My mother always took all of this at its face value. But I've sometimes wondered in later years if Uncle Fred was really unable to meet that train. Could Uncle Fred and Aunt Hilda have been playing at matchmaking?) Will said he would meet her, and he did.
Maybe Will Altenbernd had seen a picture of Flora Stoerker beforehand, or maybe he had been impressed when his pastor had talked about his sister. In any event, Will evidently prepared himself beforehand, and he was not disappointed at what he saw emerge from the train.
When they got to the parsonage in Eudora - a ten mile trip or thereabouts - Will escorted her to the door with a package under his arm. When Hilda Stoerker greeted them at the door, Will pulled out two boxes of candy from his package, gave one to Hilda and the other to Flora, saying something to the effect that pretty girls always deserved something - an interesting remark in that it might be doubted Hilda Stoerker could ever have been regarded as a pretty girl, whatever else she was.
Will was invited in. He stayed for a while, and then left for home.
When Flora Stoerker got back to Jefferson City she soon got a letter in the mail, along with a box of chocolates, these coming from "Wm Altenbernd" with a postmark of Eudora, Kansas. Poor Flora couldn't for the life of her figure out who that was, an indication of the impression Will Altenbernd had made upon her. She couldn't even remember his name. She had to write her brother to find out who this "Wm Altenbernd" was. She had to find out. She couldn't just let it go because in the letter he said he wanted to drive to Jefferson City to see her.
"Let him come," her brother urged her. "He's a very nice man. It would be cruel just to give him a cold rejection." So, against her better judgment, but with the added urging of her friend and roommate, Ozie Bruce, Flora let him come.
I don't know the details of that first date, other than that it firmly encouraged Will Altenbernd and left Flora Stoerker realizing she had let herself in for something she wasn't sure she wanted, and which would now be very difficult to get rid of in any case.
The box of chocolates through the mail became a weekly thing. And a Eudora visitor to Jefferson City occurred with some frequency. Ozie Bruce was crazy about him (She called him "Bern"), but Flora Stoerker had serious misgivings. Will Altenbernd was obviously quite serious, and Flora Stoerker had long determined that there were two kinds of men she would never marry - if indeed she ever got married at all; a minister or a farmer. At length she sought openly to discourage him, but that didn't do any good. He kept writing. He kept sending candy, sometimes flowers. And he kept on coming to Jefferson City.
Not only were candy and flowers being sent, but a number of photographs began arriving. Will Altenbernd was in the process of tearing down the old homestead and was building a new one. The photos were pictures of the work in progress. (Dad later always said he had built the house for her. Whether or not he actually told her that in 1919 I don't know, but certainly the implication was plain enough.) Flora put the pictures in her photograph album. Will also put construction pictures in his album, along with the canceled check that paid for it - $10,000.
Immediately before one of his trips to Jefferson City, Will bought a new car. He had gotten no license plates for it as yet.
They had been applied for, but Will didn't wait around to pick them up. He drove on to Jefferson City without them.
He was in Jefferson City before some policeman finally stopped him and prepared to ticket him (or whatever was done in those days) for driving a car without an auto license.
But Will was not to be deterred by any mere policeman. "I've come all the way from Kansas," Will told him, "to see the prettiest girl in your town. Now you're not going to stop me from doing that, are you?"
The policeman waved him on, telling him to get those license plates before he drove anywhere else.
Mr. Hagens, a junior executive of the International Shoe Company, and Ozie's current boyfriend, upon hearing this story, got a piece of cardboard, wrote "License Applied For" on it, and stuck it onto Will's car. Will got safely back to Kansas and got his license plates.
Flora Stoerker was gradually giving in to this man, despite herself. But it took a long time. It would be a courtship of about eight years before there was a wedding. Most men would have given up long before then.
As time went on Flora Stoerker found herself occasionally taking trips to Kansas, even though her brother was no longer pastor there. She was always welcomed and treated royally by Will's sister Louise, who ran the farm house. The farm house, now long completed, was a beautiful thing. There are pictures of how Louise had it furnished.
On one of Flora's visits to Kansas, around 1926 I suppose, standing outside looking at the house, Will slipped a ring on Flora's finger. There were still many misgivings on Flora's part, but she did not take the ring off. She accepted it.
But once back in Jefferson City, doubts really assailed her. She went to work that Monday trying to hide her left hand, afraid somebody would see the ring. Of course, they saw it anyway. The office girls, especially Ozie, who worked there too, all knew Will by then, and they were overjoyed about it. Flora's doubts finally became resolved.
It was Will's intention that Louise keep living there at the farm house. After all, this was her home too. But Louise would have none of that. If Will married Flora, she would find a place of her own. That became academic, however. Louise came down with appendicitis, the appendix burst, and Louise did not survive the emergency surgery.
Page 36
There would be no great rush to a wedding, nor would it be a big wedding. In fact, there wouldn't even be any announcement of it in Eudora for a while afterward. Flora would go back to work at the Jefferson City office for a week or two to get things squared away there before coming on to Kansas.
The wedding itself would take place in Booneville, Missouri, in the parsonage of the church there. That was then the home of Fred and Hilda Stoerker, the witting or unwitting matchmakers of it all. Flora's sister, Alma, may have been there too.
The Rev Conrad Frederick Stoerker and his wife Wilhelmina would also be there, coming from St. Charles, Missouri, where they lived in retirement. They were the bride's parents. The Rev Conrad Frederick Stoerker would perform the ceremony for his daughter. It was May 24, 1927.
For some reason Rev Stoerker listed Flora's address as St. Charles when he filled out the marriage certificate, even though Flora had then lived in Jefferson City for some fifteen years.
Shortly thereafter, on June 13, 1927, Rev Conrad Frederick Stoerker would collapse in his bathroom. It was an aneurysm which would take his life within minutes.
So, as it turned out, the uniting in marriage of my parents was my grandfather's last wedding.
***********
I had always thought the farm house had been built later in the mid-Twenties, but Dad's canceled check for the house is dated August 2, 1919. If Dad did indeed build the house for my mother, as he always said he did, then he had remarkable confidence very early on - like within weeks of meeting her.
***********
I don't know how serious Ozie Bruce and Mr. Hagans were, but their relationship ended abruptly when Mr. Hagans got drunk one night and woke up the next morning to find himself married to the woman lying next to him. Mr. Hagans made no effort to get out of the marriage. I don't know if or for how long the marriage lasted. I have only the vaguest memory of Mr. Hagans when he was at the farm once when I was very small.
***********
The old Eudora parsonage in which the Fred Stoerkers lived was not torn down when the new one was built. It was sold and moved to what became Highway 10. It was still there when I was a boy. It had been sold again and had become a beer hall.
( in 1919.)31
Photo.
William John Altenbernd was afflicted with baldness. He was bald at a young age.
Photo.
They resided Eudora Section 35SW, RR2, Lawrence, Douglas County, Kansas, USA, in 1920. They owned 144 acres.33
Photo of Hilda Stoerker, Flora Stoerker, Will Altenbernd, Wilhelmine Stoerker, Alma Stoerker
on ground: Frederick and Eleanor Stoerker. Unknown who is being held. Original photo in the possession of Sue Myers (#130.)
Hilda Stoerker, Flora Stoerker, Will Altenbernd, Wilhelmine Stoerker, Alma Stoerker
on ground: Frederick and Eleanor Stoerker
unknown who is being held
on ground: Frederick and Eleanor Stoerker
unknown who is being held
Photo of Altenbernd Farm in 1927 Altenbernd Farm, Eudora, Douglas County, Kansas, USA. Original photo in the possession of Sheila Altenbernd (#172.)6
Altenbernd Farm -- Eudora Kansas
Photo of On cot left to right -- ?, Ed Schaake, ?
In rear - ?,?,?, Harry Young
On right - William Altenbernd, Carl Altenbernd. Original photo in the possession of Sheila Altenbernd (#172.)6
William John Altenbernd married Flora Stoerker, daughter of Conrad Friedrich Stoerker and Wilhelmine Cuno, in Boonville, Cooper County, Missouri, USA, on 24 May 1927.6,2,34
Photo of Flora and Will Altenbernd on their wedding day on 24 May 1927 at Boonville, Cooper County, Missouri, USA. Original photo in the possession of Sheila Altenbernd (#172.)27
Flora and Will Altenbernd
Flora and Will Altenbernd
Wedding Day
May 24, 1927
Wedding Day
May 24, 1927
Photo of Hilda Stoerker, Flora Stoerker, Will Altenbernd, Wilhelmine Stoerker, Alma Stoerker
On Ground -- Frederick and Eleanor Stoerker circa 27 May 1927. Original photo in the possession of Sheila Altenbernd (#172.)6
Hilda Stoerker, Flora Stoerker, Will Altenbernd, Wilhelmine Stoerker, Alma Stoerker
On Ground -- Frederick and Eleanor Stoerker
On Ground -- Frederick and Eleanor Stoerker
Photo of Will and Flora Altenbernd. Original photo in the possession of Sheila Altenbernd (#172.)6
Flora and Will Altenbernd
Photo of Will and Flora Altenbernd. Original photo in the possession of Sheila Altenbernd (#172.)6
Will and Flora Altenbernd
Photo of Will and Flora Altenbernd. Original photo in the possession of Sheila Altenbernd (#172.)6
Flora and Will Altenbernd
William John Altenbernd received a letter from Wilhelmine Stoerker circa January 1929.
Dear Children -- Flora, William,
First, Mother wishes you a much blessed and Happy New Year 1929.
Much mercy and God's protection be with you, you loved ones.
Now I would like to thank you for all the love and good things that you loved ones have sent us for the holidays. Everything arrived in good condition. The curtains, dear Flora, make our dining room look so friendly now. The coffee tastes so much better from the new coffee post -- we made use of it right away. Your baked goods are also excellent; mother cannot bake such delicious things. Julia cut the shoulder for me, and I roasted it. Everything was so Christmas-festive and pretty packaged, even the tail for Prince.
Later we received the card where you mentioned not to open the boxes--maybe that was good since it was not very cold. Everything tasted so good. Prince knew that the tails and th chocolate were for him, almost as if he had the mental ability, and he did not rest until it was all gone.
We are still all half sick because we had the flu and are still coughing a lot. Alma was in the hospital for a few days because she had fallen. Hilde Fritz sent also all kinds of foods and some of their baked goods. So did Marie. For you girls she sent each of you a pincushion. Julia is oging to send you the one for you. Marie thought that you will be here for Christmas. Everyone enjoyed the pincushions--they are so pretty. I know you will like it too.l
Ozzie must have left already. No one else has been here other than Ella for one day. I have not seen anyone from St Louis yet, but Theodor is at home, so I htink they might still come. I've recieved a bowl with flower bulbs from pastor Bracke -- all I have to do is add water.
Thank ou for everything once more.
With my love, regards, and kisses.
Your mother
Wilhelmine Stoerker.35
First, Mother wishes you a much blessed and Happy New Year 1929.
Much mercy and God's protection be with you, you loved ones.
Now I would like to thank you for all the love and good things that you loved ones have sent us for the holidays. Everything arrived in good condition. The curtains, dear Flora, make our dining room look so friendly now. The coffee tastes so much better from the new coffee post -- we made use of it right away. Your baked goods are also excellent; mother cannot bake such delicious things. Julia cut the shoulder for me, and I roasted it. Everything was so Christmas-festive and pretty packaged, even the tail for Prince.
Later we received the card where you mentioned not to open the boxes--maybe that was good since it was not very cold. Everything tasted so good. Prince knew that the tails and th chocolate were for him, almost as if he had the mental ability, and he did not rest until it was all gone.
We are still all half sick because we had the flu and are still coughing a lot. Alma was in the hospital for a few days because she had fallen. Hilde Fritz sent also all kinds of foods and some of their baked goods. So did Marie. For you girls she sent each of you a pincushion. Julia is oging to send you the one for you. Marie thought that you will be here for Christmas. Everyone enjoyed the pincushions--they are so pretty. I know you will like it too.l
Ozzie must have left already. No one else has been here other than Ella for one day. I have not seen anyone from St Louis yet, but Theodor is at home, so I htink they might still come. I've recieved a bowl with flower bulbs from pastor Bracke -- all I have to do is add water.
Thank ou for everything once more.
With my love, regards, and kisses.
Your mother
Wilhelmine Stoerker.35
William John Altenbernd was mentioned in a lettter sent by Adolph Stoerker and Flora Altenbernd residing at 4715 Main Avenue, Norwood, Ohio, USA, on 10 May 1929.
ADOLPH STOERKER
PALMER CHIROPRACTOR
4715 MAIN AVENUE
NORWOOD. OHIO
May 1O, 1929
Dear Flora:-
That was mighty fine news to hear that you were the proud mother of a fine boy. I know that you have always been attached to children and I rejoice with you because I know that your heart is glad to now have one of your own. I sort a like the name you choose - John Stoerker. You have our congratulations and good wishes --- that he may grow strong and bring into your home much joy and happiness which you could never experience without him. May God bless you and him and make him a real man among men.
Now I would not for the world write you without saying a word for --- Bill. ---I believe that you deserve most of the credit but from now on his Daddy is going to have something to say. No doubt he is already making plans to raise a son sound in mind and body that would be a joy and credit to any father. I know that Bill will play more than a little part in making a man of him. --- So congratulations to you - Bill! You have reasons to be proud with a Million Dollar Baby - I felt the same way some few years ago.
To both of you - May your boy fulfill your fondest dreams and become a leader of men - living a life of usefulness and service to his fellows. May God add all the necessary blessings.
With kindest wishes and love
Adoplh.36
PALMER CHIROPRACTOR
4715 MAIN AVENUE
NORWOOD. OHIO
May 1O, 1929
Dear Flora:-
That was mighty fine news to hear that you were the proud mother of a fine boy. I know that you have always been attached to children and I rejoice with you because I know that your heart is glad to now have one of your own. I sort a like the name you choose - John Stoerker. You have our congratulations and good wishes --- that he may grow strong and bring into your home much joy and happiness which you could never experience without him. May God bless you and him and make him a real man among men.
Now I would not for the world write you without saying a word for --- Bill. ---I believe that you deserve most of the credit but from now on his Daddy is going to have something to say. No doubt he is already making plans to raise a son sound in mind and body that would be a joy and credit to any father. I know that Bill will play more than a little part in making a man of him. --- So congratulations to you - Bill! You have reasons to be proud with a Million Dollar Baby - I felt the same way some few years ago.
To both of you - May your boy fulfill your fondest dreams and become a leader of men - living a life of usefulness and service to his fellows. May God add all the necessary blessings.
With kindest wishes and love
Adoplh.36
Photo of Will Altenbernd (#55), John Altenbernd (#102) and Flora Altenbernd (#63) in June 1929. Original photo in the possession of Sheila Altenbernd (#172). John 5 weeks old.6
Will, John and Flora Altenbernd
John -- 5 weeks old
John -- 5 weeks old
William John Altenbernd received a letter from Julia Stoerker on 13 June 1929. St. Charles, Mo.
June 13, 1929
Dear Flora & William
I didn't forget to write. I've just been so busy - and since momma wrote you soon after the announcement of little John's arrivals, I put off writing until now when there are no more lesson assignments made for the next day.
Although I'm rather later, I congratulate you most heartily, and I hope that little John will fill your lives with sunshine. I don't know what gifts he may have received by this time, or what he could still use, so I'm enclosing a dollar for which you may get him a little remembrance or put in his bank. I'm real anxious to see him. Carroll and Emma were here this P.M. and we told Carroll that you would bring John along in a basket. He looked so funny and said, "in a basket?"
I hope you and John are well. I suppose Helen is still with you. You spoke so much of Helen when you were here that I almost feel as though I've met her. Its fine that she can be with you. And how is little Homer? The cow sure must have been working good when Alma was up there or we wouldn't have had that delicious cottage cheese, ha, ha! Guess you know what I mean. I believe that was the best cottage cheese I ever ate. No wonder Alma got so fleshy - you fed her too well.
Rev. Orlowskys celebrated their silver wedding anniversary last Sunday. Ella, mamma, Mrs. Rev. Schmale, and I were out there. It was a lovely day. After the service we all had lunch out on the lawn where the ladies had set the tables. I've had some real sandwiches. Mrs. Schmale was here again for a few days. This time I had to do the cooking (I know you're not sorry). She is planning to spend the winter in Ann Arbor, Mich. I'm glad we could have her with us again - she sure is getting old.
Will close, for tonight. Hope to see you before many more weeks.
With lots of love to all,
Julia
This is a translation of the note Wilhelmine enclosed.
St. Charles, Mo.
May the 6th, 1929
My Dear Ones!
To our great joy we received this morning at about half past nine o'clock the news of the birth of our dear little son – we rejoice with you, dear ones – and thank especially the faithful God - that He has made everything well, and graciously helped so far. May He continue to be with us - so that also Flora will soon recover and become strong again – now that she also has become a mother - also a great grace of God, for which we cannot be grateful enough.
With love, kisses and greetings - especially a sweet kiss to the little Altenbernd.
Julia and Wilhelmine Stoerker.37
William John Altenbernd received a letter from Wilhelmine Stoerker on 21 December 1929.
To all my dear Children,
I was just in the process of writing to you and thank you for all the good meat, sausage, fat, apples, and in particular for the marvelous butter; you should receive a price for it dear Flora -- it is so good and sweet. I thought that mother used to make very good butter in previous years, but yours is still better.
The mailman just came and brought two more packages -- I had thought that the other one was our Christimas gift. This is really too much of a good thing. Please accept our most sincere thank you for it. What they contain will be revealed on Christmas Eve.
We wish you richly blessed holidays.
WIth regards and kisses to you and dear John in particular.
Mother-Grandmother Stoerker.38
I was just in the process of writing to you and thank you for all the good meat, sausage, fat, apples, and in particular for the marvelous butter; you should receive a price for it dear Flora -- it is so good and sweet. I thought that mother used to make very good butter in previous years, but yours is still better.
The mailman just came and brought two more packages -- I had thought that the other one was our Christimas gift. This is really too much of a good thing. Please accept our most sincere thank you for it. What they contain will be revealed on Christmas Eve.
We wish you richly blessed holidays.
WIth regards and kisses to you and dear John in particular.
Mother-Grandmother Stoerker.38
William John Altenbernd, residing at RR2, Lawrence, Kansas received a letter from Wilhelmine Stoerker from Lawrence, Kansas,residing at at 1021 South 4th Street, St Charles, St Charles County, Missouri, USA, on 28 December 1929. The original is in German.
St Charles, Monday, December 28th, 1929
Dear Children! Flora Will
Soon this year is going to it's end; we don't know what the New Year will bring. But we have Jesus our faithful leader, our Savior. He is with us and so we can enter the New Year safely.
Now Christmas days are over - my loved I want to thank you very much for the love you showed us. You sent us so many things - also sweet little John gave me a picture. The nightdress I can use really good, also the nice book and the cookies. This kind of cookies only good Flora can bake. The meat we broiled at once and also the good sausage and the bacon we have eaten already. Hilda, Fritz and family came on Dec 26th to our house. Yesterday Josie and the kids, but not Theodor Paul. Theophil also stayed with Winfred for dinner. Frieda, Theophil's wife, isn't feeling very well. So, as you can see, we have had a lot of visitors. The Boovillers also stayed one night, they came with their car.
When they arrived we were at Emmaus, we have been invited there. Alma was at home, because she had to work, then she had to sleep. So they all came to Emmaus, they brought dinner over and wanted to eat with us. So we ate all they brought in at Emmaus.
Hilda had 2 roasted chickens, we have been 18 persons at Emmaus, we were sitting at the table until 10 p.m. - old Frankenfelds have been there, too.
I have to finish now, thanks again for everything.
With greetings -- Kiss
Ma and Grandma
The boys together gave me a big radio, now it's not so lonely anymore.
When everything is ready we can hear what's going on in the whole world. We have heard the Christmas progam of Germany - over the ocean - it was clear and wonderful, Silent Night and all the other songs.39
Dear Children! Flora Will
Soon this year is going to it's end; we don't know what the New Year will bring. But we have Jesus our faithful leader, our Savior. He is with us and so we can enter the New Year safely.
Now Christmas days are over - my loved I want to thank you very much for the love you showed us. You sent us so many things - also sweet little John gave me a picture. The nightdress I can use really good, also the nice book and the cookies. This kind of cookies only good Flora can bake. The meat we broiled at once and also the good sausage and the bacon we have eaten already. Hilda, Fritz and family came on Dec 26th to our house. Yesterday Josie and the kids, but not Theodor Paul. Theophil also stayed with Winfred for dinner. Frieda, Theophil's wife, isn't feeling very well. So, as you can see, we have had a lot of visitors. The Boovillers also stayed one night, they came with their car.
When they arrived we were at Emmaus, we have been invited there. Alma was at home, because she had to work, then she had to sleep. So they all came to Emmaus, they brought dinner over and wanted to eat with us. So we ate all they brought in at Emmaus.
Hilda had 2 roasted chickens, we have been 18 persons at Emmaus, we were sitting at the table until 10 p.m. - old Frankenfelds have been there, too.
I have to finish now, thanks again for everything.
With greetings -- Kiss
Ma and Grandma
The boys together gave me a big radio, now it's not so lonely anymore.
When everything is ready we can hear what's going on in the whole world. We have heard the Christmas progam of Germany - over the ocean - it was clear and wonderful, Silent Night and all the other songs.39
Photo of Front: Homer Altenbernd, Ed Schaacke, Katherine Young, and Carl Altenbernd
Back: ?, ?, Hugo Hoelzel, Harry Young, and Will Altenbernd circa 1930 near Ed Schaake Farm, Eudora, Douglas County, Kansas, USA. Original photo in the possession of Sheila Altenbernd (#172) as of 2023.6
Front: Homer Altenbernd, Ed Schaacke, Katherine Young, and Carl Altenbernd
Back: ?, ?, Hugo Hoelzel, Harry Young, and Will Altenbernd
Ed Schaake Farm
Back: ?, ?, Hugo Hoelzel, Harry Young, and Will Altenbernd
Ed Schaake Farm
ME by John Altenbernd
A Cup of Coffee
Dad drove to St. Charles, Missouri, to pick up Grandma Stoerker and bring her to the farm for a visit for a while. Grandma was still in good health at that time. Aunt Julie didn't have to stay home and take care of her as would be the case later, so I suppose Aunt Julie was teaching school and couldn't come along. I was a baby, a bit of trouble to take along on such a quick round trip, so Dad had gone alone.
Dad had always gotten along well with my Grandmother, so he was surprised to find her becoming so quiet and uncommunicative as the trip back to Kansas progressed. Dad would try to strike up a conversation. He would get a yes or a no from her, and that would be the end of it.
In desperation Dad finally asked her if she wanted to stop for a cup of coffee. She said she would.
They had some coffee at a roadside café, and got back into the car to continue the trip. Grandma was a changed woman, now all full of talk.
My Grandmother was accustomed to an afternoon cup of coffee. She greatly missed it, but being a polite sort of woman who always simply abided by male wishes in the old German patriarchal tradition, she didn't want to ask for one. But once getting her afternoon coffee, she was her old self again.
Dad was quite amused by it all as he told this story to my mother.
* * * * * *
While she was visiting with them, my folks took her to a movie, evidently her first one.
Near the end of the movie there was a heavy rainstorm depicted on the screen.
When the movie was over they left the theatre. "Goodness," my Grandmother said, seeing the unwet streets, "things dried up in a hurry!"
Dad drove to St. Charles, Missouri, to pick up Grandma Stoerker and bring her to the farm for a visit for a while. Grandma was still in good health at that time. Aunt Julie didn't have to stay home and take care of her as would be the case later, so I suppose Aunt Julie was teaching school and couldn't come along. I was a baby, a bit of trouble to take along on such a quick round trip, so Dad had gone alone.
Dad had always gotten along well with my Grandmother, so he was surprised to find her becoming so quiet and uncommunicative as the trip back to Kansas progressed. Dad would try to strike up a conversation. He would get a yes or a no from her, and that would be the end of it.
In desperation Dad finally asked her if she wanted to stop for a cup of coffee. She said she would.
They had some coffee at a roadside café, and got back into the car to continue the trip. Grandma was a changed woman, now all full of talk.
My Grandmother was accustomed to an afternoon cup of coffee. She greatly missed it, but being a polite sort of woman who always simply abided by male wishes in the old German patriarchal tradition, she didn't want to ask for one. But once getting her afternoon coffee, she was her old self again.
Dad was quite amused by it all as he told this story to my mother.
* * * * * *
While she was visiting with them, my folks took her to a movie, evidently her first one.
Near the end of the movie there was a heavy rainstorm depicted on the screen.
When the movie was over they left the theatre. "Goodness," my Grandmother said, seeing the unwet streets, "things dried up in a hurry!"
(.)40
Photo of Pigs on the Will Altenbernd Farm near Will Altenbernd Farm, Eudora, Douglas County, Kansas, USA. Original photo in the possession of Sheila Altenbernd (#172) as of 2023.6
Pigs on the Will Altenbernd Farm
Photo of Will Altenbernd in stocking cap. Original photo in the possession of Sue Myers (#130.)
Will Altenbernd in stocking cap
Photo early 1930's in Eudora, Douglas County, Kansas, USAG.
They resided in Eudora, Douglas County, Kansas, USA, in 1930.6
Altenbernd Farmhouse 1930s
Altenbernd Farmhouse 1930s
Photo circa 1931 in Eudora Township, Douglas County, Kansas, USA. Original photo in the possession of Sheila Altenbernd (#172). Will Altenbernd (#55) and John Altenbernd (#102) and Shep.6
Will and John Altenbernd and Shep
Will and John Altenbernd and Shep
William John Altenbernd was mentioned in a lettter sent by Friedaricka Elizabeth Hoelzel residing at at 2732 Gillham Road, Kansas City, Jackson County, Missouri, USA, to Flora Altenbernd on 1 July 1931.
Dearest Flora,
I have intended writing to you for some time. We enjoyed getting John's picture so much, it is very good of him. I showed it to Mrs. Kobrock and she immediately said that he is a Stoerker in looks. Of course that is true and is very complementary to you. Thanks a lot for the picture.
It has been so very hot here for two weeks and for those who are and have to be busy in the sun I feel plenty sorry, for it is more than I appreciate and I can stay in and make myself as nearly comfortable as possible. I mean the heat is more than I appreciate. I guess Will and Carl are digging potatoes now, and I so hope they get a good price. It is so discouraging to put the money and labor in for a crop and then get such prices as the farmers are getting for wheat. I am about sure that never before has wheat been so cheap. The country is full of food supplies and there are so many people coming to my door every day for a little to eat. Prices with us too have changed a great deal. So many people are out of work. Emil has had no extra business all year, so we are dependent on our rental income. I am very thankful that we saved our money when we made good money. I know so many people who lived off their entire income and now feel the depression very heavily. Claire starts her vacation Friday, she is looking forward to a good time with Harvey. He is taking a 12 weeks summer course in Midland and wants Claire there for one month. She will live in Dr. Martin's home but will have her meals and recreation with Harvey. He preached in our church the last two Sundays and did remarkably well. Dr. Band is in Portland and paid Harvey to fill his pulpit. Ruth is rather lonesome, she enjoyed her year at K.U. so much. I guess she will go again next year. Carl is home again, just got back from a 10 day trip to Oklahoma City. I often think about Louis. Have Will and Carl heard from him? I am truly sorry the way things stand with him but I know what it would mean to us had we listened to his plea.
I am piecing a flower garden quilt. I love it. I like to talk quilts to people who like that kind of work, And now I must close and would like to hear from or better yet to see you after the heat is over. Claire and Harvey will be here after the 10th of Aug. Come down sometime when they are here.
With love
Reaka.41
Photo circa 1932. Original photo in the possession of Sheila Altenbernd (#172). John Altenbernd (#102) aged 3 and Will Altenbernd (#55.)27
John Altenbernd -- age 3
Will Altenbernd
Will Altenbernd
Photo of Frieda Mohr, Flora, John, and Will Altenbernd in 1933 in Colorado, USA. Original photo in the possession of Sue Myers (#130.)
Photo of Christian and Frieda Mohr, Will, John, and Flora Altenbernd, Waldemar Mohr in 1933 in Colorado, USA. Original photo in the possession of Sue Myers (#130.)
ME by John Altenbernd
Trip to Colorado
I was little, four years old maybe. I look about that age on a snapshot taken on that trip. So this would have been the summer of 1933.
My mother's oldest sister, Frieda, and her husband, Christian Mohr, and their grown son, Waldemar, lived in Denver, Colorado. Uncle Christ (rhymes with wrist) had been a parochial school teacher in his early years, the teacher at a school associated with one of my Grandfather Stoerker's churches. That was how he met Aunt Frieda. Mom at one time had been one of Uncle Christ's students. Mom remembered him from those years as a very hard taskmaster and disciplinarian. But my memory of Uncle Christ is much different. He had evidently mellowed with the years. They had moved to Denver for the benefit of their son's health. He had always been frail and was to die still a young man. Uncle Christ now worked in an office, as did Waldemar.
We drove to Denver by car, 600 miles, quite a trip in those days. I had a puzzle map of the United States with each state cut as a separate piece. I was playing with that in the back seat. My mother had a road map up in the front seat with her which she would look at periodically and tell something to Dad. I was smart enough to know she was reading the map somehow. So after I got all the states put in their proper places in my puzzle, I handed it to Mom and asked her to read it to me. I couldn't for the life of me understand when she said she couldn't do that.
As we drove across Kansas, Dad at one point said, "Let's go into Colorado and leave John in Kansas." I wasn't sure what that meant. I didn't want to be left anywhere. When we got to the Kansas-Colorado border, Dad stopped the car so that the state line ran right between the front seat and the back seat. "See," my mother said to me, "now we're in Colorado and you're still in Kansas."
Sometime before that we had gone through Russell, Kansas. Oscar Russell was my father's black hired hand. So when we got to Russell, I asked if that was where Russell came from.
A little ways into Colorado, the scenery changed drastically as we got into the Rocky Mountains. It was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen.
Uncle Christ's house was a small one. They had no room for us, so we stayed in a rooming house somewhere. (Motels had not really come into being yet, and hotels were too expensive.)
The next days were tours through the mountains with Dad driving, and Uncle Christ and Aunt Frieda pointing out this, that, and the other things. There were all sorts of especially set up tourist attractions, and I enjoyed those things most of all, especially a little miniature mining town.
My folks decided to drive up Pike's Peak. It was a rainy day. All at once they noticed I was lying down in the back seat. I couldn't sit up without being dizzy. The thin air was getting to me. They turned the car around and drove back down without getting to the top. I screamed and hollered. I wanted to go on, but they came back down anyway.
Also there was a visit to an amusement park, the like of which I had never seen before. Among the rides was a train that ran around the park. We rode on that. It had a whistle that really shrieked. My cousin Waldemar, who had hearing in only one ear, said, "I could even hear that in my bad ear."
Mom and Aunt Frieda went into downtown Denver one day for shopping. Dad and I went off alone and looked at some toys. He bought me a toy truck that transported cars, complete with the cars. In fact, he bought me two of them for some reason.
We finally got tired of messing around waiting for Mom and Aunt Frieda to get finished, so we sat down on the curb stone right there on main street and waited for them. Dad was never one to stand on ceremony. If he wanted to be comfortable, he was going to be comfortable, no matter what.
We drove on to Cheyenne, Wyoming, one day to watch the big Rodeo there. That was a highlight of the trip for me. While in Cheyenne, Dad bought himself a ten-gallon cowboy hat, which he wore on occasion for the rest of his life. I think one of the greatest joys in his life was that day in Cheyenne.
I don't know how long we stayed in Denver, maybe a week. Then we went back home.
A year later Aunt Frieda went to the dentist to have an infected tooth extracted. The tooth came out, but the infection didn't. The infection went into her brain and caused her to lose her mind. She was institutionalized in Colorado Springs.
We went back to Denver the following summer to visit Aunt Frieda. I didn't see her. Kids couldn't get into the Home. I had looked forward to this trip, but of course it wasn't the same as before. There was overhanging sadness about it all, and there were no trips in to the mountains.
We did go back to the park for my benefit. But that didn't seem the same either.
Aunt Frieda did not know my mother. She didn't even know Uncle Christ and Waldemar. Nor would she ever again. She would live out her days - until well into her 90's - in that Colorado Springs Institution.
Mom and Aunt Ella visited her in the early 1960's. Aunt Frieda was hale and hearty physically, but she knew nothing. She was like a little girl.
Uncle Christ died around 1940. My cousin Waldemar, never used to fending for himself, had a rough time of it. He wrote my mother a letter a few months after his father's death, saying he was worried about himself. He could feel his own mind slipping. A short time later we were notified he had died.
I was little, four years old maybe. I look about that age on a snapshot taken on that trip. So this would have been the summer of 1933.
My mother's oldest sister, Frieda, and her husband, Christian Mohr, and their grown son, Waldemar, lived in Denver, Colorado. Uncle Christ (rhymes with wrist) had been a parochial school teacher in his early years, the teacher at a school associated with one of my Grandfather Stoerker's churches. That was how he met Aunt Frieda. Mom at one time had been one of Uncle Christ's students. Mom remembered him from those years as a very hard taskmaster and disciplinarian. But my memory of Uncle Christ is much different. He had evidently mellowed with the years. They had moved to Denver for the benefit of their son's health. He had always been frail and was to die still a young man. Uncle Christ now worked in an office, as did Waldemar.
We drove to Denver by car, 600 miles, quite a trip in those days. I had a puzzle map of the United States with each state cut as a separate piece. I was playing with that in the back seat. My mother had a road map up in the front seat with her which she would look at periodically and tell something to Dad. I was smart enough to know she was reading the map somehow. So after I got all the states put in their proper places in my puzzle, I handed it to Mom and asked her to read it to me. I couldn't for the life of me understand when she said she couldn't do that.
As we drove across Kansas, Dad at one point said, "Let's go into Colorado and leave John in Kansas." I wasn't sure what that meant. I didn't want to be left anywhere. When we got to the Kansas-Colorado border, Dad stopped the car so that the state line ran right between the front seat and the back seat. "See," my mother said to me, "now we're in Colorado and you're still in Kansas."
Sometime before that we had gone through Russell, Kansas. Oscar Russell was my father's black hired hand. So when we got to Russell, I asked if that was where Russell came from.
A little ways into Colorado, the scenery changed drastically as we got into the Rocky Mountains. It was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen.
Uncle Christ's house was a small one. They had no room for us, so we stayed in a rooming house somewhere. (Motels had not really come into being yet, and hotels were too expensive.)
The next days were tours through the mountains with Dad driving, and Uncle Christ and Aunt Frieda pointing out this, that, and the other things. There were all sorts of especially set up tourist attractions, and I enjoyed those things most of all, especially a little miniature mining town.
My folks decided to drive up Pike's Peak. It was a rainy day. All at once they noticed I was lying down in the back seat. I couldn't sit up without being dizzy. The thin air was getting to me. They turned the car around and drove back down without getting to the top. I screamed and hollered. I wanted to go on, but they came back down anyway.
Also there was a visit to an amusement park, the like of which I had never seen before. Among the rides was a train that ran around the park. We rode on that. It had a whistle that really shrieked. My cousin Waldemar, who had hearing in only one ear, said, "I could even hear that in my bad ear."
Mom and Aunt Frieda went into downtown Denver one day for shopping. Dad and I went off alone and looked at some toys. He bought me a toy truck that transported cars, complete with the cars. In fact, he bought me two of them for some reason.
We finally got tired of messing around waiting for Mom and Aunt Frieda to get finished, so we sat down on the curb stone right there on main street and waited for them. Dad was never one to stand on ceremony. If he wanted to be comfortable, he was going to be comfortable, no matter what.
We drove on to Cheyenne, Wyoming, one day to watch the big Rodeo there. That was a highlight of the trip for me. While in Cheyenne, Dad bought himself a ten-gallon cowboy hat, which he wore on occasion for the rest of his life. I think one of the greatest joys in his life was that day in Cheyenne.
I don't know how long we stayed in Denver, maybe a week. Then we went back home.
A year later Aunt Frieda went to the dentist to have an infected tooth extracted. The tooth came out, but the infection didn't. The infection went into her brain and caused her to lose her mind. She was institutionalized in Colorado Springs.
We went back to Denver the following summer to visit Aunt Frieda. I didn't see her. Kids couldn't get into the Home. I had looked forward to this trip, but of course it wasn't the same as before. There was overhanging sadness about it all, and there were no trips in to the mountains.
We did go back to the park for my benefit. But that didn't seem the same either.
Aunt Frieda did not know my mother. She didn't even know Uncle Christ and Waldemar. Nor would she ever again. She would live out her days - until well into her 90's - in that Colorado Springs Institution.
Mom and Aunt Ella visited her in the early 1960's. Aunt Frieda was hale and hearty physically, but she knew nothing. She was like a little girl.
Uncle Christ died around 1940. My cousin Waldemar, never used to fending for himself, had a rough time of it. He wrote my mother a letter a few months after his father's death, saying he was worried about himself. He could feel his own mind slipping. A short time later we were notified he had died.
( Colorado, USA, in 1933.)42
Photo of Will Altenbernd (#55) and Old Tom near Eudora Township, Douglas County, Kansas, USA. Original photo in the possession of Sheila Altenbernd (#172) as of 2023.6
Will Altenbernd and Old Tom
Eudora, Kansas
Eudora, Kansas
Photo.
Photo near Altenbernd Farm, Eudora Township, Douglas County, Kansas, USA. Original photo in the possession of Sheila Altenbernd (#172). Altenbernd Farm.6
Altenbernd Farm
Altenbernd Farm
Altenbernd Farm
Altenbernd Farm
Photo near Altenbernd Farm, Eudora Township, Douglas County, Kansas, USA. Original photo in the possession of Sheila Altenbernd (#172). Farm Animals.6
Bob and Hy are in the center
(Hy has the white tail)
Altenbernd Farm
(Hy has the white tail)
Altenbernd Farm
Bob and Hy are in the center
(Hy has the white tail)
Altenbernd Farm
(Hy has the white tail)
Altenbernd Farm
Altenbernd Farm
Altenbernd Farm
Altenbernd Farm
William John Altenbernd received a letter from Adolph Stoerker,residing at Gary, Indiana, USA, on 10 February 1935.
FIRST EVANGELICAL CHURCH
464 ROOSEVELT STREET
GARY, INDIANA
February 10, 1935.
Dear Flora and Bill:-
You will perhaps be much surprised to get a letter from me. It has been so long in the making that I'll be greatly surprised myself if I finally succeed in getting it written. Many times since my delightful days with you last summer have I wished myself back again. And often have my intentions been to write you how much I really enjoyed being with you and thank you again for the many kindnesses shown. But when one gets back to work and the fall and winter work needs to be planned - for two places and there's not much to plan with - then there are always many things that I neglect. Writing is one of them - and so I beg to be excused for this long silence.
Have often wondered how the turnips came out and whether the rye Bill was going to plant made some feed for the stock? - The Indiana farmers around here had very late pastures and so did not have to start feeding until late in fall. And then there were lots of soy beans everywhere and also corn fodder. So they fared much better this winter. Nearly every farmer has a dairy herd and gets a milk check every two weeks. Butter is 44 cents a pound and eggs 40 cents a dozen. Milk 12 cents a quart. Bacon 30 cents per pound. -- So prices are double what they were 18 months ago. But wages in the Steel mills here are not quite half what they were 3 or 4 years ago. And that gives most people a bare existence. So you can figure out for yourself why people here have no money to spare even tho they may be working full time. --- I have an opportunity here to watch both the industrial workers and farmers - and in a year or two I believe the farmers of this community will be far ahead of those who work in the city. And its about time that the farmers get fair play. Their products keep the nation alive.
Well, I guess Fred is in his glory now. I haven't heard a word from him but heard from mother that they had moved to St. Joseph. That's the biggest and most prosperous church in the West Missouri District. I don't ever hope to be in line for that size job. A smaller group appeals to me better. And I'm not such a great preacher anyhow. So if there is to be any greatness on my part I'll have to find it in being of service.
J. J. Braun is going to be here Thursday this week to study the Gary mission with me. I have surveyed the community and sent in my report. In response they're coming here to investigate my findings. That's what I have been hoping for some time. There is not much hope for a future church here since the population is so transient. There is a Reformed Church 9 blocks away farther towards the city. And since the bottom has dropped out of the finances here with little hopes of a substantial increase for some years I feel that an adjustment of some kind will be made offer the Mission Board gets thru checking on Thursday.
Joanne and I were home over New Year's. Mother was surprised to see us. As usual glad to have us come. She seems to be doing quite well. I sometimes wish I were closer home but guess I'll have to be satisfied where I am and with what I've got.
The box you had Santa Claus deliver here at Christmas time was much enjoyed by all. The cookies were a treat. Why do somebody else's cookies always taste better?!!! Sonny liked his pencil. You know he was 9 years of age the 24th of last month. And he's reading, writing, drawing etc. So the pencil was just the thing. And Joanne with her handkerchiefs --- was she proud? She's just like her mother. Hasn't ever got enough things to wear or should I say too many things to wear. Thanks a lot for everything!
Next Sunday the Elmhurst Girls' Sextette will present a musical program at the vesper service at the Gary Christian Church. Mr. Hille will play several organ selections. Rev. Schuster and I are jointly arranging this. We expect to have the group here for lunch after the service. So Marie has started to get the house in order for the occasion. And also for the visit of honorable J.J. Braun.
Received Bill's card from St. Charles last fall. Glad he got the cigars in good shape. They sure put them out by the boxes at the Fair last summer. And say - if I had been at home when you were there Bill would have had company at the World's Series games.
How's that big boy of yours? Keeping you going no doubt. You'll have a better chance raising him there than in the city. This town of Gary isn't very desirable for raising children. The Gary school system may be famous but that doesn't tell the story.
Now I've about had my say. I'm not a very good typist so you will have to make some allowance. Perhaps I will do better next time.
Let us hear from you again when you feel that you can take time.
With kindest regards to all of you,
Sincerely
Adolph & co,
P.S. Sonny and Joanne send special greetings to John and invite him over to play!43
464 ROOSEVELT STREET
GARY, INDIANA
February 10, 1935.
Dear Flora and Bill:-
You will perhaps be much surprised to get a letter from me. It has been so long in the making that I'll be greatly surprised myself if I finally succeed in getting it written. Many times since my delightful days with you last summer have I wished myself back again. And often have my intentions been to write you how much I really enjoyed being with you and thank you again for the many kindnesses shown. But when one gets back to work and the fall and winter work needs to be planned - for two places and there's not much to plan with - then there are always many things that I neglect. Writing is one of them - and so I beg to be excused for this long silence.
Have often wondered how the turnips came out and whether the rye Bill was going to plant made some feed for the stock? - The Indiana farmers around here had very late pastures and so did not have to start feeding until late in fall. And then there were lots of soy beans everywhere and also corn fodder. So they fared much better this winter. Nearly every farmer has a dairy herd and gets a milk check every two weeks. Butter is 44 cents a pound and eggs 40 cents a dozen. Milk 12 cents a quart. Bacon 30 cents per pound. -- So prices are double what they were 18 months ago. But wages in the Steel mills here are not quite half what they were 3 or 4 years ago. And that gives most people a bare existence. So you can figure out for yourself why people here have no money to spare even tho they may be working full time. --- I have an opportunity here to watch both the industrial workers and farmers - and in a year or two I believe the farmers of this community will be far ahead of those who work in the city. And its about time that the farmers get fair play. Their products keep the nation alive.
Well, I guess Fred is in his glory now. I haven't heard a word from him but heard from mother that they had moved to St. Joseph. That's the biggest and most prosperous church in the West Missouri District. I don't ever hope to be in line for that size job. A smaller group appeals to me better. And I'm not such a great preacher anyhow. So if there is to be any greatness on my part I'll have to find it in being of service.
J. J. Braun is going to be here Thursday this week to study the Gary mission with me. I have surveyed the community and sent in my report. In response they're coming here to investigate my findings. That's what I have been hoping for some time. There is not much hope for a future church here since the population is so transient. There is a Reformed Church 9 blocks away farther towards the city. And since the bottom has dropped out of the finances here with little hopes of a substantial increase for some years I feel that an adjustment of some kind will be made offer the Mission Board gets thru checking on Thursday.
Joanne and I were home over New Year's. Mother was surprised to see us. As usual glad to have us come. She seems to be doing quite well. I sometimes wish I were closer home but guess I'll have to be satisfied where I am and with what I've got.
The box you had Santa Claus deliver here at Christmas time was much enjoyed by all. The cookies were a treat. Why do somebody else's cookies always taste better?!!! Sonny liked his pencil. You know he was 9 years of age the 24th of last month. And he's reading, writing, drawing etc. So the pencil was just the thing. And Joanne with her handkerchiefs --- was she proud? She's just like her mother. Hasn't ever got enough things to wear or should I say too many things to wear. Thanks a lot for everything!
Next Sunday the Elmhurst Girls' Sextette will present a musical program at the vesper service at the Gary Christian Church. Mr. Hille will play several organ selections. Rev. Schuster and I are jointly arranging this. We expect to have the group here for lunch after the service. So Marie has started to get the house in order for the occasion. And also for the visit of honorable J.J. Braun.
Received Bill's card from St. Charles last fall. Glad he got the cigars in good shape. They sure put them out by the boxes at the Fair last summer. And say - if I had been at home when you were there Bill would have had company at the World's Series games.
How's that big boy of yours? Keeping you going no doubt. You'll have a better chance raising him there than in the city. This town of Gary isn't very desirable for raising children. The Gary school system may be famous but that doesn't tell the story.
Now I've about had my say. I'm not a very good typist so you will have to make some allowance. Perhaps I will do better next time.
Let us hear from you again when you feel that you can take time.
With kindest regards to all of you,
Sincerely
Adolph & co,
P.S. Sonny and Joanne send special greetings to John and invite him over to play!43
William John Altenbernd received a postcard from Adolph Stoerker on 19 April 1935.
Hearty Good Wishes
Adolph & Family.44
Adolph & Family.44
Photo late 1930's in Eudora, Douglas County, Kansas, USAG.
ME by John Altenbernd
Flora's Bakery
It was the Summer of 1940 during the potato harvest. It was noon time. The potato pickers and the day men all poured into the back yard under the comfortable shade of the big elm trees to eat their lunches and relax a while before taking on that hot Kansas sun out in the field again.
Dad came in and told my mother that one of the pickers had had his lunch lost or stolen during the morning. Would my mother fix up something for him? Mom did - including a piece of pumpkin pie which she had baked.
It wasn't long after that before there was a black teen-ager knocking at the back door. He wanted to know if he could buy a piece of that sweet potato pie that other fellow had.
"That wasn't sweet potato," Mom told him. "That was pumpkin."
"Well, whatever it was, Ma'am. Could I buy a piece?" And he had in his hand one of the markers pickers were given to indicate a bushel of potatos picked for which they would be paid. A single marker was worth a nickel.
Mom was both amused and flattered at that. She gave him a piece of the pumpkin pie and took his marker, showing it to Dad at the kitchen table. He laughed. "Hang on to that," he said. "I'll give you your nickel tonight."
Rather quickly there were two or three more at the door, all wanting some of that pie, and all having markers ready in their hands. Mom gave them each a piece of pie and took their markers.
Then a virtual parade began toward the door. The pumpkin pies (Mom had baked two of them) were soon gone. But that didn't deter anybody.
"You got anything else?" they asked.
"I have some cake left from the day before yesterday," she said. "That's fine," they said and held out their markers. The left over cake was quickly gone too.
"Any chance there'll be more tomorrow?" they asked hopefully. "I'll see," Mom said.
Mom talked to Dad about it. "If you feel like doing it, go ahead," he said.
Mom did some figuring of ingredients. She could use lard instead of Crisco. That would cut down expense. The other ingredients couldn't be compromised. And she'd stick with pumpkin and apples for the pies. They were the cheapest. A pie could be cut into six
pieces which would make 30¢ for a pie. Ordinary cakes could be cut accordingly to fit the price of a nickel apiece. She could make enough on it to make it worth her while. She would do it.
I don't recall what all Mom baked that next morning before everybody came in for noon, but it was quite a bit. When they came in from the field, they didn't even wait to eat first. They came directly to the door, wanting to know if there was any pie or cake to buy. Mom quickly sold out.
So baking became a regular morning ritual through the rest of the potato harvest. Dad referred to it as "Flora's Bakery."
I don't know how much my mother made on that that summer, but it was considerable for the times. She was pleased with it, as she always was about anything connected with her baking, of which she was very proud.
She planned to do it again the next year, but it never happened. Dad would die before the next potato harvest in 1941. She just didn't feel like doing it then. By 1942, World War II would be on, and there would be sugar rationing, making such an enterprise impossible.
But during its short life in the Summer of 1940, Flora's Bakery was a huge success.
(an unknown value)
It was the Summer of 1940 during the potato harvest. It was noon time. The potato pickers and the day men all poured into the back yard under the comfortable shade of the big elm trees to eat their lunches and relax a while before taking on that hot Kansas sun out in the field again.
Dad came in and told my mother that one of the pickers had had his lunch lost or stolen during the morning. Would my mother fix up something for him? Mom did - including a piece of pumpkin pie which she had baked.
It wasn't long after that before there was a black teen-ager knocking at the back door. He wanted to know if he could buy a piece of that sweet potato pie that other fellow had.
"That wasn't sweet potato," Mom told him. "That was pumpkin."
"Well, whatever it was, Ma'am. Could I buy a piece?" And he had in his hand one of the markers pickers were given to indicate a bushel of potatos picked for which they would be paid. A single marker was worth a nickel.
Mom was both amused and flattered at that. She gave him a piece of the pumpkin pie and took his marker, showing it to Dad at the kitchen table. He laughed. "Hang on to that," he said. "I'll give you your nickel tonight."
Rather quickly there were two or three more at the door, all wanting some of that pie, and all having markers ready in their hands. Mom gave them each a piece of pie and took their markers.
Then a virtual parade began toward the door. The pumpkin pies (Mom had baked two of them) were soon gone. But that didn't deter anybody.
"You got anything else?" they asked.
"I have some cake left from the day before yesterday," she said. "That's fine," they said and held out their markers. The left over cake was quickly gone too.
"Any chance there'll be more tomorrow?" they asked hopefully. "I'll see," Mom said.
Mom talked to Dad about it. "If you feel like doing it, go ahead," he said.
Mom did some figuring of ingredients. She could use lard instead of Crisco. That would cut down expense. The other ingredients couldn't be compromised. And she'd stick with pumpkin and apples for the pies. They were the cheapest. A pie could be cut into six
pieces which would make 30¢ for a pie. Ordinary cakes could be cut accordingly to fit the price of a nickel apiece. She could make enough on it to make it worth her while. She would do it.
I don't recall what all Mom baked that next morning before everybody came in for noon, but it was quite a bit. When they came in from the field, they didn't even wait to eat first. They came directly to the door, wanting to know if there was any pie or cake to buy. Mom quickly sold out.
So baking became a regular morning ritual through the rest of the potato harvest. Dad referred to it as "Flora's Bakery."
I don't know how much my mother made on that that summer, but it was considerable for the times. She was pleased with it, as she always was about anything connected with her baking, of which she was very proud.
She planned to do it again the next year, but it never happened. Dad would die before the next potato harvest in 1941. She just didn't feel like doing it then. By 1942, World War II would be on, and there would be sugar rationing, making such an enterprise impossible.
But during its short life in the Summer of 1940, Flora's Bakery was a huge success.
(an unknown value)
( Eudora, Douglas County, Kansas, USA, in 1940.)45
William John Altenbernd was listed as the head of household on the 1940 US Federal Census of Eudora Township, Douglas County, Kansas, enumerated 13 May 1940. Also living in the household were his wife, Flora , and his son, John Stoerker. His age at his last birth date was listed as 54. He was born in Kansas. He was married. He owned his home. The value of the property was $3500. He did live on a farm. He had not attended school since March 1, 1940. His highest grade completed was 8th.46 His address on April 1, 1935 was Eudora Township, Kansas. It did a farm.46 He worked 40 hours the week of March 25 to March 30, 1940. His occupation is farmer . He worked in the farming industry. He worked 52 weeks in 1939. His salary was $0 . He did have other sources of income. He also appears on farm schedule 148.46
William died on 24 May 1941 in Eudora, Douglas County, Kansas, USAG, at age 55.6,4 He was buried on 27 May 1941 Eudora City Cemetery, Eudora, Douglas County, Kansas, USA, at. His grave is in section E lot 478.47,6,48
Altenbernd Family Plot
Eudora City Cemetery
Eudora, Kansas
Eudora City Cemetery
Eudora, Kansas
William John Altenbernd was mentioned in a lettter sent by residing at at House of Representatives, Washington, DC, USA, to Flora Altenbernd,residing at Rural Route #2, Lawrence, Kansas on 28 May 1941. Congress of the United States
House of Representatives
Washington, D.C.
May 28, 1941
Mrs. William Altenbernd
Rural Route #2
Lawerence, Kansas
My dear Mrs. Altenbernd,
I was sorry to read in the Lawrence Journal World of the death of your good husband, and I want to extend to you and to the members of your family, my sincere and heartfeld condolences in this time of sorrow. Mr. Altenbernd was a fine mand and his early passing is a real loss to the community and to his many friends,
Mrs Guyer wishes to join me in this expression of profound sympathy and extends condolences in your bereavement.
Sincerely yours,
U.S. Guyer.49
Docket K, Case# 6346.50
William John Altenbernd received a postcard from Adolph Stoerker on 2 August 1953.
Aug. 2 - 1953
We send greetings to you from Orlando. Had 3 Sundays vacation so drove down to see our old friend. Wish we could visit together again. Expect to be in Aurora with Sonny about the 10th.
Love, Marie & Adolph.51
We send greetings to you from Orlando. Had 3 Sundays vacation so drove down to see our old friend. Wish we could visit together again. Expect to be in Aurora with Sonny about the 10th.
Love, Marie & Adolph.51
Photo of Flora and Will Altenbernd on their wedding day on 27 May 1955 in Boonville, Cooper County, Missouri, USA. Original photo in the possession of Sheila Altenbernd (#172.)27
Will and Flora Altenbernd
Wedding Day
May 24, 1927
Wedding Day
May 24, 1927
Last Edited=12 September 2023
Child of William John Altenbernd and Flora Stoerker
- John Stoerker Altenbernd+2,52 b. 5 May 1929, d. 1 November 1992
Citations
- [S127] Unknown author unknown date.
- [S78] William Herrell (#128), "Bill Herrell's Genealogy Records (copy)" (New Haven, Missouri). Supplied by Mike Herrell - 1991 . Hereinafter cited as "Bill Herrell Records."
- [S119] Katharine Hill unknown date.
- [S1551] Unknown author Complete Tombstone Census of Douglas County Kansas, II Page: 127. (Douglas County, Kansas: Douglas County Genealogical Society, 1989) (Document Source Number: 00055-1989-00-00-01). Hereinafter cited as Complete Tombstone Census.
- [S485] Friedrich Wilhelm Altenbernd household, June 11, 1900 U.S. Federal Census, Douglas County, Kansas, population schedule, town of Eudora Township, enumeration district (ED) 54, supervisor's district (SD) 2, sheet 21A, dwelling 195, family 194, National Archives micropublication T623 479 , William Altenbernd (#46). Hereinafter cited as Altenbernd, Wilhelm (#46) -- 1900 Kansas Census.
- [S25] John Stoerker Altenbernd unknown date.
- [S104] Goldie Piper Daniels, Rural Schools and Schoolhouses of Douglas County, Kansas (Baldwin City, Kansas: Telegraphics, Inc., 1975), Page 112 states these children were school age in 1898, There is also a Maffie Altenbernd and Albert Schaake listed. . Hereinafter cited as Rural Schools and Schoolhouses.
- [S485] Friedrich Wilhelm Altenbernd household, June 11, 1900 U.S. Federal Census, Douglas County, Kansas, population schedule, town of Eudora Township, enumeration district (ED) 54, supervisor's district (SD) 2, sheet 21A, dwelling 195, family 194, National Archives micropublication T623 479 . Hereinafter cited as Altenbernd, Wilhelm (#46) -- 1900 Kansas Census.
- [S789] Personal knowledge of Sheila Altenbernd (#172) (12230 W Washington Street, Avondale, Arizona 85323) .
- [S1810] Wilhelm Altenbernd (#46) Neighborhood News, The Eudora Weekly News, Eudora, Kansas, November 27, 1908, page 2, column 2, www.newspapers.com, viewed at www.newspapers.com on April 28, 2023 (Document Source Number: 00055-1908-11-27-01) . Hereinafter cited as Eudora Weekly.
- [S1812] Wilhelm Altenbernd (#46) Neighborhood News, The Eudora Weekly News, Eudora, Kansas, December 11, 1908, page 3, column 5, www.newspapers.com, viewed at www.newspapers.com on April 28, 2023 (Document Source Number: 00048-1908-012-11-01) . Hereinafter cited as Eudora Weekly.
- [S1813] William Altenbernd (#55) Neighborhood News, The Eudora Weekly News, Eudora, Kansas, May 14, 1909, page 3, column 5, www.newspapers.com, viewed at www.newspapers.com on April 28, 2023 (Document Source Number: 00055-1909-05-14-01) . Hereinafter cited as Eudora Weekly.
- [S1815] Katherine Altenbernd (#47) Neighborhood News, The Eudora Weekly News, Eudora, Kansas, December 19, 1909, page 2, column 2, www.newspapers.com, viewed at www.newspapers.com on April 28, 2023 (Document Source Number: 00047-1909-12-19-01) . Hereinafter cited as Eudora Weekly.
- [S1817] William Altenbernd (#55) Neighborhood News, The Eudora Weekly News, Eudora, Kansas, October 20, 1910, page 4, column 3, www.newspapers.com, viewed at www.newspapers.com on April 28, 2023 (Document Source Number: 00055-1910-10-20-01) . Hereinafter cited as Eudora Weekly.
- [S1819] William Altenbernd (#55) Neighborhood News, The Eudora Weekly News, Eudora, Kansas, June 3, 1912, page 4, column 4, www.newspapers.com, viewed at www.newspapers.com on May 2, 2023 (Document Source Number: 00055-1912-06-03-01) . Hereinafter cited as Eudora Weekly.
- [S1823] Katherine Altenbernd (#47) Neighborhood News, The Eudora Weekly News, Eudora, Kansas, May 1, 1913, page 2, column 3, www.newspapers.com, viewed at www.newspapers.com on May 22, 2023 (Document Source Number: 00047-1913-05-01-01) . Hereinafter cited as Eudora Weekly.
- [S1828] William Altenbernd (#55) Neighborhood News, The Eudora Weekly News, Eudora, Kansas, June 26, 1913, page 1, column 3, www.newspapers.com, viewed at www.newspapers.com on May 27, 2023 (Document Source Number: 00055-1913-06-26-01) . Hereinafter cited as Eudora Weekly.
- [S1831] William Altenbernd (#55) Neighborhood News, The Eudora Weekly News, Eudora, Kansas, September 25, 1913, page 2, column 3, www.newspapers.com, viewed at www.newspapers.com on May 27, 2023 (Document Source Number: 00055-1913-09025-01) . Hereinafter cited as Eudora Weekly.
- [S1832] Fred Altenbernd (#49) Neighborhood News, The Eudora Weekly News, Eudora, Kansas, January 28, 1915, page 1, column 2, www.newspapers.com, viewed at www.newspapers.com on May 27, 2023 (Document Source Number: 00049-1915-01-28-01) . Hereinafter cited as Eudora Weekly.
- [S1217] William Altenbernd (#55) Kaw Valley, The Jeffersonian Gazette, Lawrence, Kansas, September 29, 1915, page 5, column 1, www.newspapers.com, viewed at http://www.newspapers.com/image/71337181 on June 27, 2015 (Document Source Number: 00055-1915-09-29-01) . Hereinafter cited as Jeffersonian Gazette.
- [S1833] William Altenbernd (#55) Neighborhood News, The Eudora Weekly News, Eudora, Kansas, October 28, 1915, page 2, column 1, www.newspapers.com, viewed at www.newspapers.com on May 27, 2023 (Document Source Number: 00055-1915-10-28-01) . Hereinafter cited as Eudora Weekly.
- [S1216] William Altenbernd (#55) Kaw Valley, The Jeffersonian Gazette, Lawrence, Kansas, July 5, 1916, page 4, column 3, www.newspapers.com, viewed at http://www.newspapers.com/image/71340194 on June 27, 2015 (Document Source Number: 00055-1916-07-05) . Hereinafter cited as Jeffersonian Gazette.
- [S1208] Willam Altenbernd (#55) Kaw Valley, The Jeffersonian Gazette, Lawrence, Kansas, October 11, 1916, page 8, column 5, www.newspapers.com, viewed at www.newspapers.com/image/71340544 on June 27, 2015 (Document Source Number: 00055-1916-10-11-01) . Hereinafter cited as The Jeffersonian Gazette.
- [S1853] William Altenbernd (#55) Neighborhood News, The Eudora Weekly News, Eudora, Kansas, October 19, 1916, page 2, column 2-3, www.newspapers.com, viewed at www.newspapers.com on July 1, 2023 (Document Source Number: 00055-1916-10-19-01) . Hereinafter cited as Eudora Weekly.
- [S1854] William Altenbernd (#55) Neighborhood News, The Eudora Weekly News, Eudora, Kansas, August 30, 1917, page 1, column 6, www.newspapers.com, viewed at www.newspapers.com on July 1, 2023 (Document Source Number: 00055-1917-08-30-01) . Hereinafter cited as Eudora Weekly.
- [S1855] William Altenbernd (#55) unknown article title, The Eudora Weekly News, Eudora, Kansas, October 11, 1917, page 3, column 1, www.newspapers.com, viewed at www.newspapers.com on July 3, 2023 (Document Source Number: 00055-1917-10-11-01) . Hereinafter cited as Eudora Weekly.
- [S157] Sheila Sue Altenbernd unknown date.
- [S292] "Altenbernd(#55), John - WWI Draft Records"; www.Ancestry.com; unknown repository address. Hereinafter cited as "WWI Draft."
- [S1850] William Altenbernd (#55) Neighborhood News, The Eudora Weekly News, Eudora, Kansas, November 18, 1918, page 2, column 4, www.newspapers.com, viewed at www.newspapers.com on July 1, 2023 (Document Source Number: 00055-1918-11-18-01) . Hereinafter cited as Eudora Weekly.
- [S1827] William Altenbernd (#55) Neighborhood News, The Eudora Weekly News, Eudora, Kansas, November 21, 1918, page 1, column 1-4, www.newspapers.com, viewed at www.newspapers.com on May 27, 2023 (Document Source Number: 00055-1918-11-21-01) . Hereinafter cited as Eudora Weekly.
- [S1422] John Stoerker Altenbernd,"The Great Courtship" in ME; Page(s) 33-36; Published:.
- [S1519] Unknown author, "Automobile Directory of Douglas County, KS -- 1920," The Pioneer, 1, XI, Page: 31, File Number: Genealogy 978.101 D74DCGA 1987-1989 (Published: Fall 1987) Viewed: 2007. (Document Source Number: 00055-1920-00-00-02).
- [S1512] Unknown author, "Douglas County Farmers' Directory," The Pioneer, 3, XI, Page: 135-136, File Number: Genealogy 978.101 D74DCGA 198701989 (Published: Spring 1988) Viewed: 2007. (Document Source Number: 00055-1920-00-00-01).
- [S1596] William Altenbernd and Flora Stoerker marriage, May 24, 1927, unknown repository, unknown repository address. Unknown manuscript info. (Document Source Number: 00055-1927-05-24-01).
- [S1082] Letter from Wilhelmine Stoerker (#20) (unknown author address) to William (#55) and Flora Altenbernd (#63) (unknown recipient address), Abt Jan 1929; unknown repository (unknown repository address).
- [S1639] Letter from Adolph Stoerker (#65) (Norwood, Ohio) to Flora Altenbernd (#63) May 10, 1929. (1929). (Document Source Number: 00065-1929-05-10-01).
- [S1789] Letter from Julia Stoerker (#62) (1020 South Fourth Street, Saint Charles, Missouri) to Flora Altenbernd (#63) and William Altenbernd (#55) June 13, 1929. (2022). (Document Source Number: 00062-1929-06-13-01).
- [S1083] Letter from Wilhelmine Stoerker (#20) (1021 South 4th St Charles, Missouri) to William (#55) and Flora Altenbernd (#63) (Lawrence, Kansas), December 21, 1929; unknown repository (unknown repository address).
- [S615] Letter from Wilhelmine Stoerker (#20) (1021 South 4th Street, St Charles, Missouri) to William (#55) and Flora Altenbernd (#63) (RR2, Lawrence, Kansas), December 29, 1929; unknown repository (unknown repository address).
- [S1414] John Stoerker Altenbernd,"A Cup of Coffee" in ME; Page(s) 50.3; Published:.
- [S1134] Letter from Reaka Hoelzel (#51) (Sheila Altenbernd, 12230 W Washington Street, Avondale, Arizona) to Flora Altenbernd (#63) July 1, 1931. (2010).
- [S1421] John Stoerker Altenbernd,"Trip to Colorado" in ME; Page(s) 61-63; Published:.
- [S1640] Letter from Adolph Stoerker (#65) (Gary, Indiana) to Flora Altenbernd (#63) February 10, 1935. (1935). (Document Source Number: 00065-1935-02-10-01).
- [S1642] Letter from Adolph Stoerker (#65)to Flora Altenbernd (#63) April 19, 1935. (1935). (Document Source Number: 00065-1935-04-19-01).
- [S1423] John Stoerker Altenbernd,"Flora's Bakery" in ME; Page(s) 176-177; Published:.
- [S508] William Altenbernd (#55) household, 1940 U.S. Federal Census, Douglas County, Kansas, population schedule, town of Eudora Township, enumeration district (ED) 23-3, supervisor's district (SD) 8, sheet 8A, family 185, National Archives micropublication . Viewed at www.ancestry.com . Hereinafter cited as 1940 Census.
- [S246] William John Altenbernd, Memorial Card, unknown repository, unknown repository address.
- [S414] Letter from Eudora Cemetery (Eudora, Kansas, 66025) to Sheila Buchanan (#172) (unknown recipient address), August 10, 1992; Sheila Sue Altenbernd (7461 River Bend Circle, Nashville, Davidson County, Tennessee, USA, at).
- [S1135] Letter from US Guyer (Sue Myers, Arnold, Missouri) to Flora Altenbernd (#63) May 28, 1941. (2010).
- [S1848] William John Altenbernd (#55), Index to Estates v. 3 1857-1965 unknown file number, unknown repository, FamilySearch.org (Document Source Number: 00055-1941-07-10-01). Hereinafter cited as Probate Index.
- [S1643] Letter from Adolph Stoerker (#65)to Flora Altenbernd (#63) August 2, 1953. (1953). (Document Source Number: 00065-1953-08-02-01).
- [S1587] John Altenbernd (#102), social security application 66295516151, April 1956, (Document Source Number: 00102-1956-04-00-01).
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