ROMMEL History Letter

A NEWSLETTER FOR ROMMELS IN GERMANY AND AMERICA

Issue No. 1 January /February), 1993

The purpose of tile ROMMEL History letter is threefold: l. To gather genealogy data on ROMMEL families everywhere. 2. To dispense this information to those interested in the ROMMEL genealogy 3. To maintain family contact with even the most distant cousin. This effort is non-profit. It is supported solely by voluntary contributions. If your surname is ROMMEL or if ROMMEL is a name anywhere in your lineage, this ROMMEL History Letter is for you. This material is not copyrighted. You are free to make copies and share it with others.

1993 - A BEGINNING

This year, 1993. marks the beginning of a long awaited program of gathering and dispensing genealogy information on the ROMMEL family. This beginning is not without some basis Our family files represent six years of research, contain hundreds of facts about the ROMMELS in both Germany and America. Our desire is not to sit on this information but to share it with anyone who is a ROMMEL.

I hope what I share is interesting and informative. For six years I have published a newspaper column called "Heartland Genealogy." So I have a little writing experience. I will to provide sources and background information for the contents of this History Letter.

DAVID ROMMEL DOUGLAS

Who is this guy saying he knows a lot about the ROMMELS. Well. I guess introductions are in order My name IS David ROMMEL DOUGLAS. I am 46 years old. My wife's name is Janet Lynne DENNEY DOUGLAS and we have an 8 year old daughter named Catherine Rachel. We call her Cassie.

If you are a recipient of this letter, you probably have a connection with the ROMMELS. Please do me the honor of writing. I want to hear from you. Tell me about yourself your family and your ROMMEL relationship. If you do not know how your family ties to the ROMMEL genealogy, I will help you find the answer.

I have 15 years of genealogy experience I have researched professionally in both Europe and the United States My first genealogy experience was with my branch of the ROMMELS. So, needless to say, it is close to my heart.

As I gather data, I will print selected material in this History letter. I am interested in names, dates, places and events. Beyond that I am collecting family folklore. Family stories add flesh genealogy. Folklore is an important part of family history and you can help make it part of our history.

My 3rd great grandfather is Christian ROMMEL. Christian came to America with his wife Catherine (yes Cassie is her namesake) during a time of mass migration to America from Germany. This migration was so vast that whole sections of Germany were abandoned. Villages and towns were emptied mainly because of war. Germans came to America in a mass migration which began in 1849 A term "the 49ers" described people migrating during this era.

Over the past 15 years I have interviewed dozens of family members. I traveled to Germany in 1982 and in 1984 Following clues, discovered in the U.S. I located the home village of Christian ROMMEL and others who migrated to America. That home village is Muhlfeld Germany. Members of the ROMMEL family have lived in Muhlfeld since 1610. I met several ROMMEL cousins and did extensive research in local records.

More than one group of ROMMELS settled in America. I am convinced that we all connect somewhere in time. So. no matter which group of ROMMELS you belong to you are invited to become part of our project We will worry later about making connections.

So with no further delay, let's get down to the business of sharing ROMMEL information.

THE ROMMEL NAME IN AMERICA

To say the surname ROMMEL is of German origin is to state the obvious. Because of our national origin, we naturally find more ROMMELS living in Germany. ROMMELS arc however well represented in America

I have data and notes from German sources and hundreds of facts gleaned from U.S. sources as well. It is no surprise that there are people with the surname ROMMEL all around the globe. This History Letter will concern itself with those in Germany and the Untied Stales We will identify ROMMELS from other countries, as they relate to German and American ROMMELS.

The ROMMEL name appears early in American records Our name on Ship's Passenger Lists becomes more prominent from the 1830's onward. We will use this time frame as a reference point. This is where we will begin our family history project As we discover earlier origins, we will publish this information. In time our History Letter will work its way back in time and identify German ancestors. I have data that goes back to the year 1611 in Muhlfeld Germany.

I will begin with information on branches of the ROMMEL family I know most about. We have more data on families of Christian and Adolph ROMMEL than any other. In this, the first copy of our History Letter we will concern ourselves with details relating to Christian ROMMEL

CHRISTIAN ROMMEL

1829-1898

(Christian ROMMEL, and family eventually settled in McLeansboro. Illinois. Christian was the first discovery in my genealogy research. In 1978 I accompanied my mother to McLeansboro Illinois. The purpose of our trip was to see the grave site of Christian ROMMEL and other deceased ancestors While in McLeansboro, we went to the Courthouse and made some fascinating discoveries about Christian. From that point on, I was hooked and the desire to know something about my family history was overwhelming.

Christian ROMMEL came to America with wife Katharina or Catherine. circa 1853 Our knowledge of Catherine's maiden name is not certain Some present day family identify the name as YANGER. However, a 1934 death record from McLeansboro. Illinois, for Amelia ROMMEL STROCK, daughter of Christian and Catherine identifies thc name as YEUJIN. Thc 1934 source ,was provided by Theresa ROMMEI, FURLONG. a granddaughter of Christian and Catherine. Both YENERG AND YEUJIN are no doubt phonetic rather than German spellings of the name.

We determine the date for Christian's arrival in America from the Birth year of his son, William Christian ROMMEL. Family sources say, "W.C. ROMMEL was born in Maryland the year his parents came to America." William Christian ROMMFL is buried at tile I.O.O.F, cemetery in Charlston. Missouri. His tombstone inscription gives his birth date as 17 October 1853. Some family accounts say William was born on board ship prior to landing in America. At this time, I have not found the ships passenger list for Christian ROMMEL and family. If we find this list, we can determine if the story of the ship board birth is true.

In January of 1862 Christian ROMMEL lived in Columbus Ohio. Several documents confirm this. The death certificate for Amelia ROMMEL STROCK gives her birth date as 25 Jan 1862, her birthplace as Columbus. Ohio. City Directories for Columbus, Ohio and Federal Census records confirm the family's location in Ohio for at least ten years. Also an 1875 deed to Christian ROMMEL, for land in Hamilton County Illinois states he is "of Columbus Ohio".

Records in McLeansboro. Hamilton County Illinois establish Christian ROMMEL'S presence in the County from 1875 until his death in 1898. Christian and Catherine ROMMEL arc buried at the I.O.O.F. (Independent Order of Odd Fellows cemetery in McLeansboro, Illinois. Also buried in tile family plot are John and Amelia STROCK, James Oliver and Jessie Helena ROMMEL RENARD. Jessie ROMME is a granddaughter of Christian and Catherine

Christian ROMMEL died an untimely death. In his later years he received a serious injury while attempting to climb a fence. As a result, it became necessary for him to urinate through a copper tube This physical condition made daily care and cleaning a necessary. Shortly before his death, Christian ROMMEL was committed to the County Poor Farm. In a despondent state he took his own life by hanging himself. There are differing accounts of the story but the end result is still the same. He was buried in the "Potter's Field" with no grave marker. Prior to her death in 1934 Amelia STROCK, Christian's daughter, made provision for Christian's removal to the I.O.O.F. cemetery. She also left instructions for a stone engraved with her father's and mother's inscriptions to be erected A short time after Amelia's death, Christian's remains was moved.

Locating Christian's unmarked grave at the Potter's Field was no problem. The man who preformed the burial was still living. Christian was buried next to a criminal who was hung for killing his entire family. When the grave was opened, the family found hair and bones along with the copper tubes. Family folklore says that a medal from the Civil War was also discovered in the grave. 1 have no record that Christian fought in the American Civil War. He was 32 years old at the war's outbreak. If Christian did have war experience, we may discover something in the future.

City directories for Columbus Ohio list the occupation of Christian as a "laborer at Hayden's Foundry." His son William Christian ROMMEL, is listed as a "Baker." The family resided at 284 New ST at the corner of New and Kossuth. Their home was in a section of town that is now a historic area called "Old German Town" The house however, is no longer standing.

Federal Census information shows the family of John S. STROCK living next door to the ROMMELS. On a 1934 Death Certificate for John STROCK, his father is identified as John S. STROCK. John is the future husband of Amelia ROMMEL.

AMELIA ROMMEL STROCK 1862-1934

In 1884 Amelia ROMMEL, gave a "Warranty Deed" to Christian. The Deed states that she is unmarried She is now 22 years old. In 1892 Christian ROMMEL makes a "Will Deed" to Amelia STROCK. In the eight years between 1884 and 1892. Amelia marries John STROCK. They never had children.

In the 1892 Will Deed Christian ROMMEL bequeaths to his daughter Amelia all his property. There is however a condition stated in the Will Deed. The Will Deed reads in part:

"... The said lease contract to remain in force for and during the natural life of lesser Christian ROMMEL Party of the second part is to furnish the said party of the first part a good and sufficient room, well furnished with bed clothing, bed stead, chairs, table, buckets and everything necessary for his comfort, as filed. ...also to furnish medicines, and all necessary medical treatment, and to furnish all clothing, and take care of him during his natural life and give him a decent burial after death, and put a tombstone to grave of Cathrina ROMMEL and Christian ROMME.

WILLIAM CHRISTIAN ROMMEL

1853-1918

In 1982 I discovered a curious record in Columbus. Ohio. Recorded in the register of marriages is a license granted to William ROMMEL and Jennie RYAN. It suites: "l certify that I this day solemnized the marriage of William ROMMEL ,with Jennie RYAN. Witness my hand this 29th day of October AD 1872. K MEES. Lutheran Pastor." The document is signed by Probate Judge John M PUGH.

Could this be a different William ROMMEL? All doubt is removed as to William's identity when we examine his signature on the document. William ROMMEL had a very distinctive way of writing his "Wm. ROMMEL" When compared to other copies of his signature, the marriage license signature is a perfect match.

On the record, William ROMMEL makes an oath that he is 21 years old. Jennie RYAN says that she is 18. William is not really 21 until 1874. This marriage of William and Jennie remains mystery. There is no mention of it in any family folklore or family records.

Christian and family move to Hamilton County Illinois sometime in 1875. Deed transactions by Christian in 1875 are found in both Hamilton County Illinois and Franklin County Ohio. The Family settled on 811 acres South West of McLeansboro Illinois. By this time William is 22 years old and sister Amelia is 13.

William Christian ROMMEL, married Rebecca Hannah ACORD 01 August 1881, in White County Illinois. Register of Marriages. License No. 133. Page 79. He states on the marriage license that this is his first marriage. Rebecca is thc daughter of John ACORD and Elizabeth OLIVER ACORD. The name ACORD is a phonetic corruption of the German name ECKERT

THERESA CELESTE ROMMEL 1882-1945

William and Rebecca's first child was a daughter, Theresa Celeste ROMMEL. Theresa was born 13 Aug 1882 in White County Illinois. Theresa married Clement Andrew FURLONG on 01 July 1901 in Blythsville Arkansas. Clem and Theresa had seven children, Many of you reading this History Letter are children, grandchildren and great
grandchildren of Clem and Theresa FURLONG Concerning Catherine ROMMEL, family folklore says:

"She did not care for America. She refused to speak the English language. The only time she would speak English is when she would curse America."

Catherine apparently had some ill feeling toward Rebecca, the wife of William C. ROMMEL Folklore says that she did not approve of the marriage and would have little to do with the family. Christine FURLONG BURDEEN, of Chicago Illinois, a great granddaughter of Christian and Catherine tells the following story;

"Great grandma would sneak over to William's house. When Rebecca was busy, and hold mom (Theresa) in her arms and play with her one day grandma Rebecca came into the room and caught her in the act, Great grandma was embarrassed beyond words and did not have much to do with the family after that time."

Another piece of family folklore comes from Willrea RENARD WATKINS of Trapper Creek Alaska, a great granddaughter of Christian and Catherine. She tells the following:

"After a short time, great grandmother came to William and asked him to come back home and live with her. She wanted him to leave his wife and child and be her 'Willie' once more. She said: "If you do not come back home, I will lay down on my bed and die". William would not do it. She went to bed and in three months time, she died"

Catherine ROMMEL'S tombstone inscription, at the I.O.O. F. cemetery in McLeansboro, Illinois. gives her birth year as 1818 and her death in 1883. Christian's stone says his birth year as 1823 and death in 1898 The 1880 Federal Census for Hamilton Co. McLeansboro. Illinois, Page 68 Dist 8 Ed # 26, disagrees with both dates. In 1880 it says that Catherine is 54 years old and Christian. 51. That would make her year of birth 1826 and his 1829. That year agrees with Christian's birth record in Muhlfeld, 16 July 1829. The 1871 Census for Columbus Ohio gives Catherine's age as 42 and Christian 40. close to the 1880 census dates, It would appear that the stone dates arc in error The Federal Census dates seem to be more in line with other records. The Census goes on to say that Christian was born in Saxony and Catherine was born in Bavaria Germany.

VICTOR EUGENE ROMMEL 1883-1965 At the time of Catherine's death, William and Rebecca were married two years. Catherine probably was not aware of the birth of her second grandchild, Victor Eugene ROMMEL.

Gene ROMMEL, as most people called him, was born 21 December 1883 in White County Illinois. Gene ROMMEL never married. Being the only male child, the ROMMEL name did not carry to successive generations in this branch of the ROMMEL family. Gene ROMMEL however lived a colorful life. He worked on Mississippi River boats, on the Railroad and did farming in Arkansas and Missouri. When William Christian ROMMEL was living, he and son Gene built houses in Arkansas and Missouri. We will discuss details of Uncle Gene's life in a future History Letter.

JESSIE HELENA ROMMEL 1885-1951

The third child born to William and Rebecca ROMMEL was a daughter named Jessie Helena ROMMEL. Jessie was born in Norris City, White County' Illinois, 28 September 1885. She married James Oliver RENARD on 04 October 1903. .lames Oliver RENARD was born 22 October 1878 in Pulaski County Illinois, near the town of New Grand Chain. Thc parents of James Oliver RENARD were: Eli Beamen RENARD and Mary Ann JONES. Mary. Ann JONES RENARD died from infection only a few days after the birth of .lames. James and Jessie had eight children. Their second child is my grandfather. Fred Rommel RENARD.

This is just the beginning of our family project. Our next letter will contain more family history and folklore. Material will not necessarily appear in name or chronological order. As we discover more information on individuals already discussed, we will make it available in our letter.

I encourage all to support our project. If you have questions, or desire more detailed information, you are welcome to write. One final aim of our letter: to clear up any past errors and misconceptions about our family history. We will be as accurate as possible in research and sharing our information. If you see any errors in the History Letter, please write and let me know. We will make corrections in future letters.

Remember, you can make copies of this letter and share it with

Others. Do not forget to send in your own family information. I sincerely hope you enjoy the information.

We will publish the ROMMEL History Letter six times a year. If we have good support from family members, we will endeavor to publish our history letter monthly.

ROMMEL HISTORY LETTER

DAVID ROMMEL DOUGLAS

1142 S. Waverly Drive

Dallas, Texas 75208