Hello
In 1876, brothers Rudolph and Ferdinand Weihe marry sisters Augusta
and Johanna Luecke in Columbia City. The Weihes had emigrated from Posen,
Prussia in 1868, whereas the Luecke sisters were born in Whitley County to
William and Johanna Luecke. they lived on their parent's farm, about 5 miles
south of Columbia City, till the family relocates to town in 1875. Both
couples raise families and remain in Whitley County for quite some time.
Ferdinand dies in 1896 and the widow Johanna relocates with her whole
extended family about 1904 to homestead in the sand hills of northern
Nebraska. Rudolph and his family relocate to Chicago sometime before 1900.
My question is, does anyone have access to information as to where
Rudolph Weihe would have set up his barber shop in Columbia City? I'd like to
find its location. Also, it has been speculated that Ferdinand had stayed on
a farm, perhaps the old Luecke farm, but that he may also have been involved
in some kind of leather trade or shoe trade etc. Did Columbia City have any
leather works or shoe factories back then?
It has been speculated that his early death was caused by the effects
of working around leather processing.
Also, where is the best place to look for naturalization papers for
people living in Columbia City or Fort Wayne?
Thanks
Tom Obrock
Fort Myers, Florida