William Mensch (1817-1864)

William Mensch was an entrepreneur. A German immigrant, he arrived in New York two days before his 17^th birthday.¹ By the end of his rather short life he had owned a series of businesses ranging from selling groceries to cleaning streets and hauling fill.

Johann Wilhelm (William) Mensch² was born on May 24, 1817,^3,4 in Neunkirchen near the border of Prussia and Bavaria. When he was about 16 years old, his parents Valentin⁵ and Margaretha (Margaret) Walzer Mensch, took their family to North America, settling in Buffalo, Erie County, New York in 1834.¹

There is little or no evidence of William’s activities during his first seven years in Buffalo. The earliest record appears to be his marriage to Anna Catharina Josephina Schanz⁶ on November 16, 1841, in St. John's Evangelical and Lutheran Church, Buffalo.⁶ Anna, the daughter of Jacob Schanz,⁶ was born in Buffalo about April 12, 1820.⁷

Their brief marriage produced two sons, William, born on September 12, 1842,⁸ and Frederick Carl, born on September 18, 1843.⁹ Both boys were born in Buffalo. Frederick Carl lived less than eight months, dying on May 3, 1844.¹⁰ His mother Anna followed him in death on March 13, 1845,⁷ when she was only 24 years old.

As a widower with a son under two years old, William had reason to seek another wife, but he did not remarry for over three years. On July 18, 1848, he married Caroline Smith¹¹ (or Carolina Schmidt¹²) in Buffalo. Caroline,[1] the daughter of Jacob Smith/Schmidt, was born in Alsace in 1826 or 1827.^13,14,15,16 William and Caroline had at least eight children,[2] including:

Charles F. Mensch,¹⁷ born in Buffalo on May 13, 1849,¹⁵ and died there on August 20, 1937.¹⁵

Jacob L. Mensch,¹⁷ born in Buffalo on August 7, 1850,^15,17 and died there on May 29, 1929.¹⁵

Carolina Catharina (Caroline) Mensch, born in Buffalo on December 3, 1851,¹⁸ and christened in St. John's Evangelical and Lutheran Church on 17 July 17 1853.¹⁸ Based on census and probate records, she likely died between 1860 and 1864.^19,20

Louise Catherine Mensch, born in Buffalo on March 20, 1853^11,21 and christened in St. John's Evangelical and Lutheran Church on July 17, 1853.²¹ She married Richard LeBert in Buffalo on February 14, 1884,²² and in died Long Beach, Los Angeles County, California on April 6, 1940.²³

Frances (Fanny) Ellen Mensch, born in Buffalo in October 1854^15,19 and died there of consumption on June 21, 1877.¹⁵ She was buried in the family plot in Forest Lawn Cemetery.¹⁵

Henrietta (Etta) Mensch, born in Buffalo on May 31, 1857.³ On March 10, 1894, she married Albert Gros, a chemist,²⁴ in Niagara Falls, New York.²⁵ They lived in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where she died on  November 27, 1919.²⁶ They had no children. Alfred died in Philadelphia on November 16, 1938.²⁷

Emma Mensch,[3] born in Buffalo in July 1858.¹⁹ On September 1, 1880, she married Robert J. Atkins in Buffalo,^28,29 but the marriage did not last. Emma and Robert had two children, Frances (born September 20, 1881)^30,31 and Henrietta Louise (born January 8, 1883 and died at the age of eight months).³² By 1905, Emma was living with her married daughter Frances Moore in Atlantic City, New Jersey.³³ She remained in the area for the rest of her life, dying in Margate, City, Atlantic County, New Jersey on August 18, 1946.^34,35

Frederick S. Mensch, born in Buffalo, presumably in 1859. The 1860 census, which was taken on June 30, records his age as 9/12, which would put his birthdate in September 1859.¹⁹  However, the Forest Lawn Cemetery records his birthdate as November 10, 1858.¹⁵ In about 1882, Frederick married Delia Butler. He died in Buffalo of consumption on April 19, 1907.¹⁵

The first clear evidence of William’s business interests is his appearance in the 1849-50 Buffalo City Directory, where he is listed as having both a home and grocery at 3 East Genesee.³⁶ A similar listing appears in the 1850-51 directory.³⁷ The 1850 census also showed William’s occupation as “grocer.”¹³ However, William sold more than typical groceries. By 1852, the Commercial Advertiser Directory showed William as a clothier.³⁸ The 1855 New York State Census similarly listed his occupation as “clothing,”³⁹ and an article in Buffalo Daily Dispatch and Evening Post (March 9, 1850) discussed William Mensch, owner of a tin and hardware store.⁴⁰ In addition, a list of goods arriving at the Port of Buffalo in 1847 included 11,028 lbs. of grindstones for William Mensch.⁴¹ He earned further revenue by renting a lot he owned for the storage of unslaked lime.⁴²

During his period as a store proprietor William was involved in a painful accident. The Buffalo Daily Dispatch and Evening Post (March 9, 1850)⁴⁰ described it thus:

It appears that Mr. William Mensch, a very worthy German, who keeps a tin and hardware store on Genesee street near Main, Patrick Burns, a laborer, employed by Moses Baker, Esq., and a boy about 14 , a clerk of Mr. Mensch, were in the store examining some percussion caps and trying them with a gun. Of a sudden a number of them ignited; an explosion followed, which severely injured Mr. Mensch and Burns and slightly the boy. The eyes, hands, face, and nearly every part of Burns and Mensch were horribly burned and cut. The front window of the store was shivered to pieces and part of the counter blown up. Dr. Peabody was called in and attended the sufferers, who, although seriously injured, will undoubtedly survive.

William not only survived but flourished. By 1860, he had undertaken a new enterprise. He was a teamster, or more appropriately, the owner of a company that employed teamsters. He had three teamsters living in his home.³

In the 19^th century, teamsters drove wagons drawn by teams of horses to transport goods and materials. William’s teaming business focused on moving earth and similar materials, especially removing dust and manure from the city streets. In February 1859, he was the low bidder on a contract for cleaning paved streets and alleys until January 1, 1860. The Buffalo Courier (February 22, 1859) showed his bid as $3,800 compared with three other bids ranging from $3,950 to $4,000.⁴³ However, The Buffalo Commercial (March 8, 1859) reported that he received a contract for $2,800,⁴⁴ which appears to be an error. He was paid $380.05 for work under the contract during July 1859,⁴⁵ which is consistent with the monthly payment on a 10-month contract for $3,800. In 1860, William’s brother-in-law Joseph Widmer won the street cleaning contract bidding $2,800 to William’s $3,000.⁴⁶ However, he later assigned the work to William,⁴⁷ who continued to receive contracts for street cleaning at least through 1863.⁴⁸

William’s income was not limited to the proceeds of street cleaning contracts. Rather, he generated income from the material his company removed from the streets. He began placing advertisements like the one below in the local newspapers.

Notice placed in the Buffalo Courier Express (Buffalo, New York), Mar 6, 1860, page 2.

William’s business included providing fill for various municipal projects. He received a contract from the Street Commissioner to provide fill associated with bridge construction on Little Buffalo Creek for which he was paid 18 cents per cubic yard. This contract specified that the filling be done with “good clean earth or gravel and not with manure or street dirt.”^49,50 His company also filled the Pest House lot.⁵¹ Beyond simply providing fill, the company undertook other municipal projects, including repairs to Rogers Street⁵² and constructing a sidewalk on Carolina Street.⁵³

William’s life was not entirely devoted to work. He was a naturalized U.S. citizen³⁹ and actively involved in politics. He first became active as a Whig. When the Whig party began to collapse, he participated as a Republican. In 1848, William was appointed to the Whig Vigilance Committee[4] representing the Western District of the 4th Ward, a position he held at least through 1852.^54,55,56 In 1862, he was one of the 4^th Ward’s delegates to Republican Union City Convention.⁵⁸

Through his business interests William prospered. In 1850, he owned property valued at $1,000.¹³ In 1855, his home was worth $4,000.³⁹ By 1860, in addition to the house he had personal property valued at $500, and his family included a servant.³

Like his father, William did not live long to enjoy his prosperity. He died of consumption⁵⁹ in Buffalo on September 30, 1864.^15,59 On October 2, he was buried in Section S, Lot 57 of Forest Lawn Cemetery, where he was one of the original lot holders.⁶⁰ He left behind a widow and seven minor children. Charles B. Guthrie, an attorney with the firm Hubbell and Guthrie, was appointed special guardian for his minor children.⁶¹

 

Source Citations

     1. “Year: 1834; Arrival: New York, New York,” online images, Ancestry.com (http://home.ancestry.com : accessed 18 Mar 2014), manifest, Asia, 26 May 1834.

    2. Ancestry.com, "Saarland, Germany, Births, Marriages, and Deaths, 1776-1875," Lehi, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2016, Citing Joh. Wilhelm Mensch, 1817. Civil registration.

    3. 1860 Census Buffalo, Erie Co., NY (Schedule 1 - Free Inhabitants of the 4th Ward of Buffalo, NY, page 66. June 30, 1860. Census Images Online, Ancestry.com).

    4. Reamy, B. and M. Reamy, Erie County New York Obituaries as Found in the Files of the Buffalo and Erie County Historical Society [1811-1880], 1992. Finksburg, MD: Pipe Creek Publishing Inc.

    5. Valentine Mensch, Case Number 15086; digital images, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org : accessed 20 Mar 2014).

  6. Family Search, "New York, Church Records, 1660-1954" (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QGRL-S5VL : 10 October 2019), Citing St. John's Evangelical and Lutheran Church, FHL Film No. 370920, Wilhelm Mensch and Anna Schanz, 1841.

  7. Family Search, "New York, Church Records, 1660-1954" (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QGRL-S5VL : 10 October 2019), Citing St. John's Evangelical and Lutheran Church, FHL Film No. 370920, Anna Schanz death, 1845.

  8. Family Search, "New York, Church Records, 1660-1954" (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QGRL-S5VL : 10 October 2019). Rec. Date: 1 May 2021, Citing St. John's Evangelical and Lutheran Church, FHL Film No. 370920, Wilhelm Mensch baptism, 1843. Cit. Date: 16 Jun 2022.

  9. Family Search, "New York, Church Records, 1660-1954" (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QGRL-S5VL : 10 October 2019). Rec. Date: 1 May 2021, Citing St. John's Evangelical and Lutheran Church, FHL Film No. 370920, Frederick Carl Mensch baptism, 1843. Cit. Date: 16 Jun 2022.

  10. Family Search, "New York, Church Records, 1660-1954" (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QGRL-S5VL : 10 October 2019). Rec. Date: 1 May 2021, Citing St. John's Evangelical and Lutheran Church, FHL Film No. 370920, Frederick Carl Mensch death, 1844. Cit. Date: 16 Jun 2022.

  11. LeBert, Richard, Louise Mensch LeBert Information ("Keep this with you") (Handwritten information on a 3 x 5 card, date unknown).

  12. St. John's Evangelical and Lutheran Church, "Communicants, confirmations, baptisms, 1829- 1868; marriages, 1832-1860; deaths, 1834-1862," Family History Library, FHL Film No. 370920. Available online through a Family History Center or Associate Library, Citing Wilhelm Mensch and Carolina Schmidt, 1848.

  13. 1850 US Federal Census, Record Group Number: 29; Series Number: M432; New York, Erie County, Buffalo, Ward 4; Roll: 502; Page: 324b. US Census images online at www.ancestry.com.

  14. 1900 US Federal Census, Buffalo, Erie Co. NY, Ward 23, Enumeration District 194, Sheet 1. Completed 1 June  1900. US Census images online at www.ancestry.com.

  15. Forest Lawn Cemetery, Buffalo, NY, Genealogy Request, Forest Lawn Cemetery, Buffalo, NY and Lot Registers, Forest Lawn Cemetery (Genealogy data transcribed from cemetery records by Ed Dibble, January 2003).

  16. “Carolina Mensch Gravestone,” Buffalo, Erie, New York, Forest Lawn Cemetery, Section S Lot 57 South Part 1. Photograph taken by Annette Smith. Another photograph available at https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/45715013/carolina_mensch#source.

  17. 1880 Census Buffalo, Erie Co., NY, Buffalo, Eire Co., NY Census, 1880. Enumeration District 125, page 39. Completed 11 June 1880. US Census images online at  www.ancestry.com.

 18. Family Search, "New York, Church Records, 1660-1954" (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QGRL-S5VL : 10 October 2019). Citing St. John's Evangelical and Lutheran Church, FHL Film No. 370920, Carolina Catharina Mensch baptism 1851.

  19. 1860 US Federal Census, Record Group Number: 29; Series Number: M653; New York, Erie County, Buffalo, Ward 4; Roll: M653_746; Page: 554 (handwritten page # at top: 66). US Census images online at www.ancestry.com.

  20. Ancestry.com. New York, U.S., State Census, 1865. Buffalo, Erie, NY, 4^th Ward, page 10. (Lehi, UT, USA. (Lehi, UT: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2014).

   21. Family Search, "New York, Church Records, 1660-1954" (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QGRL-S5VL : 10 October 2019), Citing St. John's Evangelical and Lutheran Church, FHL Film No. 370920, Louisa Christina Mensch baptism, 1853.

  22. LeBert-Mensch Marriage Announcement, Buffalo, Erie Co., USA,  Buffalo Daily Courier, 15 Feb 1884, page 4.

  23. State of California, Department of Health Services, “Certificate of Death - Louise C. LeBert” (District No. 1903, Registrar's number 521, issued April 9, 1940. Photocopy issued Jan. 19, 1982.).

  24. Ancestry.com. "1900 United States Federal Census" (Ancestry.com Operations Inc. Provo, UT, USA, 2004.), Philadelphia, PA, Ward 20, E.D. 419, Sheet No. 10.

  25. Ancestry.com, "New York State, Marriage Index, 1881-1967" (Lehi, UT: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2017), Citing Alfred Gros and Henrietta Mensch, 1894.

  26. Ancestry.com, "Pennsylvania, U.S., Death Certificates, 1906-1967." ([database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2014.), Citing Henrietta Gross, file no. 107409, registration no. 25540.

  27. Ancestry.com, "Pennsylvania, U.S., Death Certificates, 1906-1967." ([database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2014.). Rec. Date: 28 Aug 2021, Citing Alfred Gross, 1938, File No. 85063, Registered No. 19660.

  28. City of Buffalo, Marriage Registrations, Microfilm of original records held by the Buffalo Public Library, Vol. 2, page 1, 1880.

  29. 1900 Census Buffalo, Erie Co. NY, Buffalo, Erie Co. NY, Ward 23, Enumeration District 194, Sheet 1. Completed 1 June  1900. US Census Images Online, Ancestry.com.

  30. US Department of Commerce, Bureau of Census, Fourteenth Census of the United States: 1920  Population (Atlantic County, Atlantic City. Roll:  T625_1015. ED 9, Page 10 A. Enumerated on 8 Jan 1920. Ancestry.com image # 253.).

  31. Ancestry.com, "Pennsylvania, U.S., Marriages, 1852-1968" ([database on-line]. Lehi, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2016). Rec. Date: 16 Jun 2022, Citing Moore and Atkins, Certificate No. 8949.

  32. "Find a Grave," 2020. [Database online] http://www.findagrave.com. Find a Grave, Provo, UT. Rec. Date: 17 May 2020, Memorial page for Henrietta Louise Atkins (8 Jan 1883-19 Sep 1883), Find a Grave Memorial ID 276872639, citing Forest Lawn, Buffalo, Erie County, New York, USA; Maintained by Ferret (contributor 48603903).

  33. Ancestry.com, "New Jersey, U.S., State Census, 1905" (Lehi, UT: Ancestry.com Operations Inc., 2017). Rec. Date: 3 Mar 2025, New Jersey State Archive; Trenton, NJ, USA; State Census of New Jersey, 1905; Reference Number: L-12; Film Number: 1; Atlantic City, 5th ED, Sheet 5.

  34. "Find a Grave," 2020. [Database online] http://www.findagrave.com. Find a Grave, Provo, UT. Rec. Date: 17 May 2020, Memorial page for Frances A. Atkins Moore (20 Sep 1881-31 May 1963), Find a Grave Memorial ID 192252527, citing Atlantic City Cemetery, Pleasantville, Atlantic County, New Jersey, USA; Maintained by Robert Kringe (contributor 5637232).

  35. Press of Atlantic City, "Obituary - Mrs. Emma C. Atkins" (Atlantic City, New Jersey: Press of Atlantic City, 19 Aug 1946, page 4. Available online at Newspapers.com.).

  36. The Commercial Advertiser Directory of the City of Buffalo, Buffalo, NY: Jewett, Thomas & Co., Publishers, 1849, page 246. [Online]  Buffalo City Directory, 1849-50 - Buffalo & Erie County Public Library - Buffalo City Directories - New York Heritage Digital Collections (oclc.org).

  37. The Commercial Advertiser Directory of the City of Buffalo, Buffalo, NY: Jewett, Thomas & Co., Publishers, 1850, page 205. [Online] Buffalo City Directory, 1850-51 - Buffalo & Erie County Public Library - Buffalo City Directories - New York Heritage Digital Collections (oclc.org).

  38. The Commercial Advertiser Directory of the City of Buffalo, Buffalo: Jewett, Thomas & Co., Publishers, 1852, page 253. [Online] Buffalo City Directory, 1852 - Buffalo & Erie County Public Library - Buffalo City Directories - New York Heritage Digital Collections (oclc.org).

  39. Ancestry.com. New York, U.S., State Census, 1855. Buffalo, New York, 4th Ward, dwelling #81, family #117. Provo, UT: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2013.

  40. “Painful Accident.” Buffalo Daily Dispatch and Evening Post (Buffalo, New York) ·Sat, Mar 9, 1850 ·Page 2. [Online] Mar 09, 1850, page 2 - Buffalo Daily Dispatch and Evening Post at Newspapers.com.

  41. The Buffalo Commercial (Buffalo, New York) · Wed, May 12, 1847 · Page 2. [Online] https://www.newspapers.com/image/264281887/.

  42. “Corporate Proceedings. The Buffalo Commercial (Buffalo, New York), June 11, 1851, page 2. {Online] https://www.newspapers.com/image/1139790484/. Accessed March 13, 2025.

43. Buffalo Courier (Buffalo, New York), Feb 22, 1859, page 3. [Online] https://www.newspapers.com/image/313065571/. Accessed March 13, 2025.

  44. “Reports of Committees.” The Buffalo Commercial (Buffalo, New York), Mar 8, 1859, page 1. [Online] https://www.newspapers.com/image/1139333840/. Accessed March 13, 2025.

  45. “From the Street Commissioner.” The Buffalo Commercial (Buffalo, New York), Aug 3, 1859, page 1. [Online] https://www.newspapers.com/image/1139338047/. Accessed March 13, 2025.

  46. “From the Street Commissioner.” Buffalo Courier Express (Buffalo, New York), Feb 14, 1860. page 3. [Online] https://www.newspapers.com/image/344811553/. Accessed March 13, 2025.

  47. “Further from the Street Commissioner.” Buffalo Morning Express (Buffalo, NY), Aug. 16, 1860, page 1. [Online] www.genealogybank.com. Accessed April 22, 2023.

  48. “Special Meeting of the Common Council.” The Buffalo Commercial (Buffalo, New York) Apr 4, 1861, page 3. [Online] https://www.newspapers.com/image/264441591/. Accessed March 13, 2025.

  49. “Further from the Street Commissioner.” Buffalo Morning Express (Buffalo, NY), Oct. 29, 1862, page 1. [Online] www.genealogybank.com. Accessed April 22, 2023.

  50. “Further from the Street Commissioner.” The Buffalo Commercial (Buffalo, New York), Oct. 28, 1862, page 1. [Online] https://www.newspapers.com/image/1139896950/. Accessed March 13, 2025.

  51. “Corporation Proceedings – Accounts Referred.”  51. Buffalo Courier Express, Aug 09, 1859,·page 3. [Online] https://www.newspapers.com/image/344940164/.

  52. “Corporation Proceedings – Accounts Referred.” Buffalo Courier Express, Nov 01, 1859, page 3. [Online] https://www.newspapers.com/image/344796707/.

  53. “Corporation Proceedings.” Buffalo Courier (Buffalo, New York), Sep 7, 1864, page 1. [Online] https://www.newspapers.com/image/313049993/. Accessed March 13, 2025.

  54. “Home Matters.” The Buffalo Commercial (Buffalo, New York), Nov 6, 1848, page 2. [Online] https://www.newspapers.com/image/264397823/. Accessed March 13, 2025.

  55. “Vigilance Committees.” The Buffalo Commercial (Buffalo, New York), Nov 2, 1850, page 2. [Online] https://www.newspapers.com/image/264293227/. Accessed March 13, 2025.

  56. “Ward Vigilance Committees.” The Buffalo Commercial (Buffalo, New York), Feb 25, 1852, page 2. [Online] https://www.newspapers.com/image/1139787661/. Accessed March 13, 2025.

  57. “Whig Vigilance Committees.” The Buffalo Commercial (Buffalo, New York),·Nov 2, 1844, page 2. [Online] https://www.newspapers.com/image/1139336158/. Accessed March 13, 2025.

  58. “Republican Union City Convention.” The Buffalo Commercial (Buffalo, New York), Oct 27, 1862, page 3. [Online] https://www.newspapers.com/image/1139896941/.

  59. “Died.” The Buffalo Commercial (Buffalo, New York), Sep 30, 1864, page 2. [Online] https://www.newspapers.com/image/1139337723/. Accessed March 14, 2025.

  60. A.D. 1850 - 1866. Forest Lawn: Its History, Dedications, Progress Regulations, Names of Lot Holders, &c. Buffalo: Thomas, Howard & Johnson, Franklin Printing House, 1867 online at http://members.tripod.com/~wnyroots/index-bflo-lot.cem.html. Accessed March 14, 2025.

  61. "New York, Probate Records, 1629-1971." Images. FamilySearch. http://FamilySearch.org : 3 December 2024. Erie County Courthouse, New York. Estate Papers 1829-1929, Case 15092, Images 615-622.

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[1] Her birth date calculated from her death certificate is July 18, 1826, which suggests that she was married on her birthday. However, her gravestone says that she was born on August 30, 1827. According to the 1900 census, she was born in August 1826. It is possible that the person reporting her death mixed up her birthday with her wedding day.

[2] The 1900 census shows that Caroline was the mother of nine children. It is unclear whether this number includes her stepson William, Jr. If not, the ninth child must have been born and died between censuses.

[3] Month (July) is from the 1900 Census, which says Emma was born in 1859. This is impossible based on the 1860 census, which shows her as being 2 years old and her brother Frederick as being 9/12. The census was taken in June, so it's possible that she actually was born in 1857.

[4] The primary purpose of this committee was to detect voter fraud, although committee members also may have been charged with encouraging Whig supporters to vote.⁵⁷

Valentin (Valentine) Mensch

Valentin Mensch and his wife were the first generation of the Mensch line to arrive in the United States. His marriage record is also the oldest (currently) confirmed Mensch record from Europe. Valentin was born about 1782,¹ presumably in the town of Neunkirchen or the rural Faulenberg property in the Saar region of what is now modern Germany.

During Valentin’s youth and young manhood, Neunkirchen changed hands politically several times. When he was born, Valentine’s home lay on the border between the Duchy of Zwelbrücken and Nassau-Saarbrücken. In 1793, the French expelled these regional rulers. In 1798, the area was annexed into the First French Empire under Napoleon as part of the larger département Sarre. When Napoleon was defeated at Leipzig in 1814, most of the Sarre became part of Prussia, although some areas were assigned to the Duchy of Oldenburg and Bavaria.

Neunkirchen did not escape the direct effects of the wars that followed the French Revolution. On September 12, 1793, a battle occurred between Austrian-Prussian troops and the revolutionary forces in the forest of Neunkirchen. Other battles were fought in the region through 1793 and 1794. Both fighting and troop movements affected villages and towns, including Spiesen, the municipality that included the Faulenberg. People stayed in their homes as much as possible and did not venture away from their villages.² The war and political upheavals must have made a stressful climate in which the young man grew to maturity.

Margaretha Walzer Mensch

Despite the stresses, on November 26, 1806, Valentin married Margaretha (Margaret) Walzer in Neunkirchen.³ Margaretha was born on May 21, 1787,⁴ probably in nearby Waldmohr.⁵ Together Valentin and Margaretha had at least 11 children. It appears that Margaretha was a Roman Catholic, while Valentin was a Protestant, and they made an unusual compromise about the religions of their children. All their daughters were baptized in the Roman Catholic Church, but there are no corresponding baptismal records for the sons. Later records show that at least two of the sons (Valentin, Jr. and William) were Lutherans.⁶ Another son (Philip) may have been baptized a Roman Catholic as an adult.^7,[1]

Valentine’s and Margaretha’s children were as follows:

Georg Valentin (Valentine, Jr.) Mensch was born on January 6, 1807, in Neunkirchen⁸ and died on March 17, 1850, in Buffalo, Erie County, New York⁹ at age 43 or 44. He married Catharina (Catherine) Stutzman on August 18, 1831, in Neunkirchen.¹⁰ Catharina was born in Ottweiler, Saarland on March 28, 1816,¹¹ and christened there on March 31, 1816.¹² She died in Buffalo about 1879.¹² Valentine and Catharina had seven children: Frederick, Johann Christian (John), Amalia, Catharine, Valentin, William, and Carl (Charles).

Frederick Mensch¹ was born on December 20, 1808, in Neunkirchen¹³ and died on April 9, 1851 in Erie County, New York.^14,15 In Buffalo, Frederick worked as a blacksmith. He married Catherine Dentlinger,¹⁶ daughter of Jacob Dentlinger¹⁶ and Catharina Philipps,¹⁶ in Buffalo on October 13, 1839.¹⁶ Catherine was born about 1808 in Germany.¹⁷ They had six children: Catherine, Margaret, Christian, Frederick, Mary, and Elizabeth.

Philip Mensch¹ was born about 1809 in “Bavaria,”¹⁸ although records of his birth date vary considerably. The 1809 birth year comes from the passenger record of the Mensch family’s arrival in New York.¹ The civil registration record from Neunkirchen shows a Phlp. Thibo Mensch born or registered on 23 Mai 1810 (May 23, 1810). However, along with Valentin Senior's known children (for whom the birth years correspond to passenger records), other Menches are registered. Philip’s age stated in his will suggests that he was born in 1807.¹⁵ Thus, it is unclear whether the “Phlp. Thibo” in the civil register is Valentin Senior’s son. Philip served in the 100^th N.Y. Infantry during the Civil War.¹⁹ He wrote his will anticipating that he might not survive. The will, dated 1862, began: “…now aged fifty-five Years, being of sound mind and memory, but having enlisted in the New York State Volunteers, in abating the Existing rebellion, and not knowing how long my life may be spared…”¹⁵ His life was not spared for long. He died on October 7, 1863, in a U.S. Army hospital in New York City, New York.^{15, 19} Philip married Franciska¹⁵ (Frances),¹⁷ whose surname is not currently known. They had at least three children: Sarah, Louis, and Christine. A male child under 5 years old, who is listed in the 1840 census as part of Philip’s family, may have died before the 1850 census.¹⁷

Margaretha Elizabeth Mensch¹ was born on March 23, 1812, in Neunkirchen.²⁰ She was baptized on March 27, 1812, in Neunkirchen, Ottweiler,[2] Rheinland, Prussia.²¹ Although her baptismal record lists her birthday as March 26, the civil record shows a Margaretha Mensch born or registered on March 23. Margaretha died in Buffalo, New York on January 2, 1896,^22, 23 at the age of 83. She was buried in the United German and French Cemetery in Cheektowaga, Erie County, New York.²² On August 19, 1841, Margaretha married Frederich William (William) Brandt in Erie County, New York.²⁴ William was born about 1806 in Prussia³⁰ and probably died on November 10, 1878.²⁵ A Frederich W. Brandt, who died on this date and was born in February 1806, is buried in the United German and French Cemetery in Cheektowaga, but his grave does not appear to be associated with Margaretha’s. The Brandts had two children, Frederick William (William) and Mary.

Wilhelmina Margaretha Mensch²⁶ was born on November 15 or 16, 1814, in Neunkirchen.^26,27 She was christened on November 17, 1814, in Neunkirchen, Ottweiler.²⁶ She might have died young because she was not with the family when they immigrated to New York. Alternatively, she might have married and remained in Europe.

Johann William (William) Mensch^1,28 was born in Neunkirchen on May 24, 1817,^28,29 and died in Buffalo on September 30, 1864.^29,30 For details of his life see “William Mensch.”

Amalia Marie (Amelia) Mensch¹ was born in Neunkirchen on April 7, 1820,³¹ and christened in Spiesen, Ottweiler, Rhein, Preußen.³² She died on June 19, 1899 in Lake County, Illinois,³³ and was buried in St. Patrick's Cemetery there.³³ Amelia married Nicholas Lux, who was born on June 16, 1817.³³ He died on August 26, 1874, in Lake County, Illinois,³³ and also was buried in St. Patrick's Cemetery.³³ Amelia and Nicholas Lux had 11 children: Amelia, Charles, Johannes, Helen, Barbara, Nicholas F., George, John H., Edward, Matilda Anne, and Caroline Mary.

Elisabetha (Elizabeth) Mensch¹ was born on November 28, 1824,¹ and was christened in Spiesen, Ottweiler.³⁴ She died sometime before 1866, when she was listed as deceased in the probate of her brother Philip Mensch.¹⁶ Elizabeth married Valentine Young.¹⁶

Charles Mensch¹ was born about 1825 in Prussia.¹ He died on May 17, 1887, in Cook County, Illinois^35,36 and was buried in Oakridge-Glen Oak Cemetery, Hillside, Cook County, Illinois.³⁶ Before moving to Illinois he lived in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, where he was a steamboat agent in 1860³⁷ and a sailor in 1870.³⁸ On October 12, 1846, Charles married Mary Klein³⁹ or Cline⁴⁰ in Erie County, New York.³⁹ Mary was born about 1826 in France.⁴¹ She died on September 2, 1909, in Chicago, Cook, Illinois⁴² and like Charles was buried in Oakridge Glen Oak Cemetery, Hillside, Cook County.⁴³ Charles and Mary had six children: Mary, William C., Carolina, Frances, Flora, and Minna.

Barbara Mensch¹ was born on December 7, 1826,¹ and christened in Spiesen, Ottweiler.⁴⁴ She died at the age of 80 on December 27, 1906,⁴⁵ and was buried in the United German and French Cemetery, Section B, Cheektowaga, New York.⁴⁵ Barbara married Johannes Marcus⁴⁶ (John) Wackerman,³⁵ who was born about 1818 in France.⁴⁷ They separated, and he died by suicide on July 22, 1868, in Clinton, Huron Co., Ontario, Canada.⁴⁸ Newspapers reported that he had cut his own throat with a razor.⁴⁸ Before his life fell apart John Wackerman owned a cooking store in Buffalo.⁴⁷ The 1860 census showed that the family was relatively well off. Their household included a servant, and John had real estate valued at $3500 and personal estate worth $4500.⁴⁷ Barbara and John Wackerman had four children: Amelia, John Valentin, Caroline, and George.

Catharina (Catharine) Mensch^1,35 was born on March 3, 1829⁴⁹ and christened in Spiesen, Ottweiler.⁵⁰ She died on June 16, 1885, in Chicago, Illinois.⁵¹ In 1870, Catherine was running a saloon in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.⁵² Catharine married Joseph Widmer or Witmer,^49,35 who was born in Baden about 1815.⁴⁹ He apparently had died or separated from Catherine in or before 1870, as he was not listed with her in the 1870 census. Catherine and Joseph had five children: Joseph, Christian, Rose, Emma, and Catherine.

According to The Peter Stutzman Family Story,¹² Valentin and Margaretha had another son, Daniel, who did not emigrate with the rest of the family. The civil birth register for Neunkirchen shows a Grg. Daniel Mensch born or registered on May 4, 1811.⁵³ Since the civil register does not include the parents’ names, the record does not confirm that Valentin and Margaretha had a sixth son named Daniel.[3]

In 1834, Valentin immigrated to America with his wife and most of his children. His eldest son, Valentin, Jr., initially remained in Neunkirchen, but he would bring his family to New York about a year and a half later.

According to his ship’s passenger record, Valentin was 52 years old.¹ He left no record of why he had chosen to leave his homeland relatively late in life. However, by 1830, German emigration had begun to increase dramatically, with most going to the United States. The emigrants wrote letters home to family and friends describing the opportunities available in their new locations. German newspapers published these letters, which prompted others to emigrate.⁵⁴

There were additional reasons that could have prompted Valentin to seek a new home with safety and better opportunities for his children. The industrial revolution had changed the way of life in Europe. People left the trades and the farms to work in factories, but the working conditions were miserable, and unemployment was high. These conditions led to political unrest. A small-scale uprising by tailors occurred in 1830 but was rigidly put down by the authorities. There would be subsequent uprisings culminating in German Revolution (or March Revolution) in 1848 – 1849,⁵⁵ but by then the Mensch family would be safely in America.

To reach the United States, the Mensch family travelled to Le Havre, France, a journey of over 600 km. There they boarded the ship Asia, which carried them to New York City, arriving on May 26, 1834. The ship’s passenger list, filed in the Port of New York, lists Valentin as a laborer from Prussia bound for Ohio.¹ The passenger list translates the family’s forenames into French. Thus, Wilhelm is listed as Guillaume, Elisabetha as Elise, and Catharina as Charlotte.¹

There is no record of why the family had intended to go to Ohio or why they instead settled in Buffalo. However, had their intended destination been somewhere in northern Ohio, from New York City they might have travelled up the Hudson River to the Erie Canal and then up the canal to its terminus in Buffalo. Buffalo was a major port for shipping on the Great Lakes. Daily passenger service had been running between Buffalo and Cleveland, Ohio since 1830.⁵⁶

There are several possible reasons why the Mensch family remained in Buffalo. They might have been short of money and unable to pay for the ship to Cleveland. They might have been tired of travelling, or they might simply have liked what they saw in Buffalo. The city was young and vibrant. Although it had been inhabited for over thirty years, it had been incorporated as a city only two years earlier. Buffalo had grown from 2400 people in 1825 to 10,000 in 1832, and by 1835 the population had increased by another 5,000 inhabitants, many of whom were German immigrants. The city’s first bank opened in 1834, and its first railroad was chartered the same year.⁵⁷

Valentin, Jr. followed his father and siblings at the end of 1835. He sailed from Le Havre on the packet ship Silvie de Grasse accompanied by his wife Catharina and two children, Frederick and Johann Christian (John). They arrived at the Port of New York on December 26, 1835.⁵⁸

The Buffalo city directories provide a glimpse of the Mensches’ lives. Valentin, Sr. first appeared in a city directory in 1836, shown as a laborer living on Elm Street above Genesee⁵⁹ in the German section of the city. In 1839, Valentin, Jr., recorded as “Georg V Minsch,” was working as a blacksmith at Elm Street below Genessee, while Valentine “Minsch” was a laborer with a house on Genessee below Michigan.⁶⁰ By 1842, both Valentin, Sr. and Valentin, Jr. were listed as blacksmiths located at the corner of Elm and Genessee Streets.⁶¹ In the previous (1841) directory, Valentin, Jr. had been listed as a blacksmith at the same location, while Valentin, Sr. was shown with no occupation but living in a house on Elm Street west of Genessee.⁶²

By the mid-1840s Valentin appeared to have acquired some financial means, as he was able to lend money and become a mortgage holder. On November 13, 1846, he lent money to one Philip Hellriegel, and on March 1, 1847, he provided a mortgage to his son Valentin, Jr.⁶³

However, Valentin had little time to enjoy his wealth. He died in Buffalo on August 7, 1848,³⁵ leaving a will that was not probated until after the death of his son Valentin, Jr. in 1850. He appointed his wife “Margaret” as his executrix. The probate package lists the names of his children, including daughters and their spouses and the children of his deceased sons, Valentin, Jr. and Frederick.

Margaretha lived for another 17 years, with her unmarried daughter Catherine in 1850⁶⁴ and without any family in 1860.⁶⁵ Apparently, she was not suffering financially. Census records show that she owned a house worth $3,000 and personal estate worth $300.^64,65 Although she lived in the house, she generated income by renting part (or most) of it to another family. ^64,65 She also worked as a midwife.⁶⁵ Margaret died on August 27, 1865,⁶⁶ and was buried in the United German and French Cemetery in Cheektowaga, Erie County, New York.⁶⁶

 

Source Citations

     1.  “Year: 1834; Arrival: New York, New York,” online images, Ancestry.com (http://home.ancestry.com : accessed 18 Mar 2014), manifest, Asia, 26 May 1834.

    2.  Gemeinde Spiesen-Elversberg, “History and Culture.” [Online] https://www.spiesen-elversberg.de/en/sport-free-time-culture-and-tourism/history-culture/. Accessed April 4, 2024.

     3.  Ancestry.com, “Saarland, Germany, Births, Marriages, and Deaths, 1776-1875,” Lehi, UT: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2016, Entry for Valentin Mensch and Margt Walzer. Original data:Zivilstandsregister, 1798-1875. Landesarchiv des Saarlandes, Saarbrücken-Scheidt, Deutschland.

     4.  “Find a Grave,” 2020.  [Database online] http://www.findagrave.com.  Find a Grave, Provo, UT.  Rec. Date: 17 May 2020, Memorial page for Margaret Walzer Mensch (21 May 1787–27 Aug 1865), Find a Grave Memorial ID 91181486, citing United German and French Cemetery, Cheektowaga, Erie, New York. Cit. Date: 2 May 2014.

     5.  Henri Eisenbeis, “Family Tree” (https://gw.geneanet.org/lepeps), In entry for Margaret Walzer, wife of Valentine Mensch.

    6.  Family Search, “New York, Church Records, 1660-1954” (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QGRL-S5VL : 10 October 2019), Citing St. John's Evangelical and Lutheran Church, FHL Film No. 370920, citing Wilhelm Mensch and Anna Schanz, 1841; also citing Valentin Mensch and Katharine Stutzman in the record of Carl Mensch, 1848.

    7.  “New York Births and Christenings, 1640-1962”, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:V2HJ-KWR : 17 February 2023), Valentini Mensch in entry for Philippus Mensch, 1858. Source Film No. 928695 (St. Michael Catholic Church, Buffalo, NY).

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     9.  Erie, New York, Estate Papers, 1800-1929, Case 15074-15121, Valentine Mensch, Jr. 15085; digital images, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org : accessed 20 Mar 2014).

     10.  Ancestry.com, “Saarland, Germany, Births, Marriages, and Deaths, 1776-1875,” Lehi, UT: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2016, Citing Georg Valentin Mensch and Catharina Schulzmann.

     11.  1860 United States Federal Census, Images online at Ancestry.com.  Provo, UT: The Generations Network, Inc., 2004. Original data: United States of America, Bureau of the Census. Eighth Census of the United States, 1860. Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1860. M653, 1,438 rolls, Census Place: Buffalo Ward 6, Erie, New York; Roll: M653_747; Page: 56, line 35; Family History Library Film: 803747.

     12.  Stutzman, D.T., and F.C. Martin, The Peter Stutzman Family Story (Morgantown, PA: MASTHOF Press, 2011), Citing Catharina Stutzmann (#152) and Valentin Mensch, Jr., pages 36 and 37.

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     14.  Family Search, “New York, Church Records, 1660-1954” (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QGRL-S5VL : 10 October 2019), Citing Frederick Mensch death 1851.

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     16.  Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Family Search, [Online] https://familysearch.org/, “New York, Marriages, 1686-1980” entry for Fredericus Mensch, 1839, citing reference FHL microfilm 928700.

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    28.  Ancestry.com, “Saarland, Germany, Births, Marriages, and Deaths, 1776-1875,” Lehi, UT: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2016, Citing Joh. Wilhelm Mensch, 1817. Civil registration.

    29.  Reamy, B. and M. Reamy, Erie County New York Obituaries as Found in the Files of the Buffalo and Erie County Historical Society [1811-1880], 1992.  Finksburg, MD: Pipe Creek Publishing Inc.

     30.  Forest Lawn Cemetery, Buffalo, NY, Genealogy Request, Forest Lawn Cemetery, Buffalo, NY and Lot Registers, Forest Lawn Cemetery (Genealogy data transcribed from cemetery records by Ed Dibble, January 2003). .... A.D. 1850 - 1866. Forest Lawn: Its History, Dedications, Progress Regulations, Names of Lot Holders, & C. (Buffalo: Thomas, Howard & Johnson, Franklin Printing House. 1867. [Online] http://members.tripod.com/~wnyroots/index-bflo-lot.cem.html).

     31  Ancestry.com, “Saarland, Germany, Births, Marriages, and Deaths, 1776-1875,” Lehi, UT: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2016, Citing Amalia Marie Mensch, 1820.

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     33.  “Find a Grave,” 2020.  [Database online] http://www.findagrave.com.  Find a Grave, Provo, UT, Citing Nicholas and Amelia Lux, St. Patrick's Cemetery, Lake County, IL.

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     35.  Ancestry.com, Cook County, Illinois, U.S., Marriage and Death Indexes, 1833-1889 (Provo, UT: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2011. Original data: Sam Fink, comp. Sam Fink's Chicago Marriage and Death Index. Chicago, IL.), Citing Charles Mensch.

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     37.  1860 United States Federal Census, Images online at Ancestry.com.  Provo, UT: The Generations Network, Inc., 2004. Original data: United States of America, Bureau of the Census. Eighth Census of the United States, 1860. Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1860. M653, 1,438 rolls.

     38.  1870 U.S. census, Manitowoc, Wisconsin, population schedule; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://ancestry.com); citing National Archives and Records Administration microfilm M593.

     39.  Family Search, “New York, Church Records, 1660-1954” (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QGRL-S5VL : 10 October 2019), Carl Mensch and Mary Klein, 12 Oct 1846; citing Marriage, Erie, New York, United States, multiple churches, New York.

     40.  Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Family Search, [Online] https://familysearch.org/, “Illinois Deaths and Stillbirths, 1916-1947”, entry for William C. Mensch. Digital Folder Number: 4152383, Image Number: 1303, GS Film number: 1852180, Reference ID: certificate # 13772.

     41.  “1850 US Federal Census - New York, Erie County,” Images online at www.ancestry.com. .... 1855 New York Census, Erie County, New York, population schedule, Buffalo City, Ward 4, dwelling 982, family 1624, line 33, Charles Mensch; digital images, Ancestry.com, Ancestry.com (http://ancestry.com).

     42.  Ancestry.com, Cook County, Illinois Death Index, 1908-1988 (Provo, UT: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2011. Original data: Illinois, Cook County Deaths 1878-1922.” Index. FamilySearch, Salt Lake City, Utah, 2010. Illinois Department of Public Health. “Birth and Death Records, 1916-present.” Division of Vital Records, Springfield, Illinois.), Citing Mary Mensch.

     43.  Illinois State Archives, Illinois Statewide Death Index, Pre-1916 ([Online] https://apps.ilsos.gov//isavital/deathsrch.jsp.), Citing Mary Mensch.

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     47.  1860 Census Buffalo, Erie, NY (Schedule 1 - Free Inhabitants of the 4th Ward of Buffalo, NY, page 66.  June 30, 1860. Census Images Online, Ancestry.com), Year: 1860; Census Place: Buffalo Ward 4, Erie, New York; Roll: M653_746; Page: 643; Image: 155; Family History Library Film: 803746.

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[1] A record transcription without a supporting image shows that Phillipus Mensch, son of “Valentini Mensch and Margarethae Walzen,” was baptized in Buffalo, Erie, New York on May 17, 1858. The transcription shows Philippus’ birth date as 1847, which is clearly impossible. It is unclear whether this is an incorrect transcription of the birth date (possibly 1807) or the person baptized was actually a grandson of Valentin and Marguerite.

[2] Ottweiller appears to be a parish that includes subordinate churches. It was also a civil district created in 1814.

[3] Note that the baptismal record transcriptions of the six daughters list their parents’ names.