Steffgen, Michael Philip

Male 1917 - 2004  (87 years)


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  • Name Steffgen, Michael Philip 
    Born 23 May 1917  Nebraska, USA Find all individuals with events at this location  [1, 2, 3, 4, 5
    Gender Male 
    Census 1920  Geneva, Fillmore County, Nebraska, USA Find all individuals with events at this location  [6
    • According to the 1920 enumeration, "Mickel Philip Steffgen," age 2 years, 7 months, born in Nebraska, lived with his parents, Henry William Steffgen (age 26) and Clara Marie Steffgen (age 21), and his brother, Paul Francis Steffgen (age 3 months).
    Census 1930  Geneva, Fillmore County, Nebraska, USA Find all individuals with events at this location  [6
    • According to the 1930 enumeration, Michael P. Steffgen, age 12 (born in Nebraska), lived with his parents, Henry N. [sic] Steffgen (age 36) and Clara M. Steffgen (age 31), his two brothers, Paul F. Steffgen (age 10), Lawrence E. Steffgen (age 8), and sister, Alice L. Steffgen (age 6).
    Military Service 1942  [7
    • Army enlistment records indicate that Michael enlisted as a private on 19 August 1942 at Portland, Oregon.
    Residence Jul 1966  Salem, Marion County, Oregon, USA Find all individuals with events at this location  [8
    Residence Dec 1974  Salem, Marion County, Oregon, USA Find all individuals with events at this location  [9
    Died 8 Oct 2004  Salem, Marion County, Oregon, USA Find all individuals with events at this location  [10, 11, 12
    Person ID I6831  Fiegenbaum
    Last Modified 28 Jun 2009 

    Father Steffgen, Henry William,   b. 26 Oct 1893, Stockham, Hamilton County, Nebraska, USA Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. 22 Dec 1974, Hastings, Adams County, Nebraska, USA Find all individuals with events at this location  (Age 81 years) 
    Mother Spohn, Clara Marie,   b. 7 May 1898, Utica, Seward County, Nebraska, USA Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. 21 Jul 1966, Albany, Linn County, Oregon, USA Find all individuals with events at this location  (Age 68 years) 
    Married 19 Jun 1916  Geneva, Fillmore County, Nebraska, USA Find all individuals with events at this location  [5, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17
    • Henry and Clara were married by Rev. Bernard Sproll. Jack Walter and Rosa Spohn were the witnesses.

      It should be noted that the Fillmore County marriage record, which includes the application for marriage license, the marriage license, the marriage certificate, and a report of marriage in one document, contains a number of internal contradictions. According to this document, the marriage may have taken place on either the 19th or the 20th of June, at either Grafton or Geneva, Nebraska.
    Marriage License 19 Jun 1916  Fillmore County, Nebraska, USA Find all individuals with events at this location  [18
    • At the time, Henry was living in Grafton and Clara was living in Geneva.

      It should be noted that the Fillmore County marriage record, which includes the application for marriage license, the marriage license, the marriage certificate, and a report of marriage in one document, contains a number of internal contradictions.
    Residence (family) 1917  Grafton, Fillmore County, Nebraska, USA Find all individuals with events at this location  [19
    • According to his World War I draft registration card, completed on 5 June 1917 at Momence Precinct, Fillmore County, Nebraska, Henry Steffgen, age 23 years, was a farmer living at Grafton, Nebraska. He was born on 26 October 1893 at Stockham, Nebraska. He stated that he was married and that his dependants included his wife and one child. He was described as Caucasian male of slender, medium build, with gray eyes and brown hair.
    Census (family) 1920  Geneva, Fillmore County, Nebraska, USA Find all individuals with events at this location  [6
    • According to the YEAR enumeration, the household consisted of Henry William Steffgen, head of household, age 26, born in Nebraska, married, a farmer; Clara Marie Steffgen, wife, age 21, born in Nebraska, married; Mickel Philip Steffgen, son, age 2 years, 7 months, born in Nebraska, single; Paul Francis Steffgen, son, age 3 months, born in Nebraska, single.
    Census (family) 1930  Geneva, Fillmore County, Nebraska, USA Find all individuals with events at this location  [6, 20
    • According to the 1930 enumeration, the household consisted of Henry N. [sic] Steffgen, head of household, age 36, born in Nebraska, married (at age 23), mechanic at a garage; Clara M. Steffgen, wife, age 31, born in Nebraska, married (at age 18); Michael P. Steffgen, son, age 12, born in Nebraska, single, attending school; Paul F. Steffgen, son, age 10, born in Nebraska, single, attending school; Lawrence E. Steffgen, son, age 8, born in Nebraska, single, attending school; Alice L. Steffgen, daughter, age 6, born in Nebraska, single, attending school.
    Family ID F37  Group Sheet  |  Family Chart

  • Sources 
    1. [S209] Jane Michel, Genealogical Research, Descendant chart for Michael and Mary (Blum) Steffgen. Created 19 April 2009.
      Michael Philip Steffgen, child of Henry Steffgen and Clara Spohn, was born on 23 May 1917.

    2. [S117] United States. Social Security Administration. Social Security Death Index (Washington, D.C.: Social Security Administration), Accessed in May 2009 through Ancestry.com.
      Michael P. Steffgen. Social Security Number: 508-03-8227; issued in Nebraska before 1951. Born on 23 May 1917.

    3. [S177] Ancestry.com (library edition), U.S. World War II Army Enlistment Records, 1938-1946 [database]. Accessed in May 2009.
      Original data: Electronic Army Serial Number Merged File, 1938-1946 [Archival Database]; World War II Army Enlistment Records; Records of the National Archives and Records Administration, Record Group 64; National Archives at College Park, College Park, MD.
           Michael P. Steffgen. Born in 1917 in Nebraska.

    4. [S209] Jane Michel, Genealogical Research, From the file (Michael & Mary Steffgen.doc) emailed on 30 May 2009. pages 5-7.
      Michael Philip Steffgen, child of Henry W. Steffgen and Clara Marie Spohn, was born in 1917.

    5. [S22] Obituary, Nebraska Signal (Geneva, Nebraska); 2 January 1975.
      Obituary for Henry W. Steffgen. Transcription provided by Jane Michel.
           "He was united in marriage to Clara Spohn in 1916. To this union was born three sons; Michael, Paul and Lawrence, and one daughter, Alice."

    6. [S106] United States; Bureau of the Census, U.S. Census (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration), 1920. NARA microfilm T625, roll 985, page 2 A (image 966).
      Access through Ancestry.com in April 2009.
           Henry William Steffgen household, 1920 U.S. census, Fillmore County, Nebraska, population schedule, Geneva, Supervisor’s District 4, Enumeration District 29, census sheet 2 A, enumerated 6-7 January 1920, dwelling 33, family 33, lines 39-42.
           The household consisted of: 39) Steffgen, Henry William; head; home is rented; male; white; age 26; married; can read; can write; born in Nebraska/mother tongue=[illegible and 'x'ed out]; father born in Germany/mother tongue=German; mother born in Wisconsin/mother tongue=German [German 'x'ed out]; speaks English; farmer; general farming; "o.a." [working on own account?]; # on farm schedule=33. 40) Steffgen, Clara Marie; wife; female; white; age 21; married; can read; can write; born in Nebraska/mother tongue=[illegible and 'x'ed out]; father born in New York/mother tongue=German [German 'x'ed out]; mother born in Illinois/mother tongue=German [German 'x'ed out]; speaks English; trade or profession=none. 41) Steffgen, Mickel Philip; son; male; white; age 2 years, 7 months; single; can read [sic]; can write [sic]; born in Nebraska/mother tongue=[illegible and 'x'ed out]; father born in Nebraska/mother tongue=German [German 'x'ed out]; mother born in Nebraska/mother tongue=German [German 'x'ed out]; speaks English; trade or profession=none. 42) Steffgen, Paul Francis; son; male; white; age 3 months; single; born in Nebraska/mother tongue=[illegible and 'x'ed out]; father born in Nebraska/mother tongue=German [German 'x'ed out]; mother born in Nebraska/mother tongue=German [German 'x'ed out]; speaks English ["yes" crossed out]; trade or profession=none.

    7. [S177] Ancestry.com (library edition), U.S. World War II Army Enlistment Records, 1938-1946 [database]. Accessed in May 2009.
      Original data: Electronic Army Serial Number Merged File, 1938-1946 [Archival Database]; World War II Army Enlistment Records; Records of the National Archives and Records Administration, Record Group 64; National Archives at College Park, College Park, MD.
           Michael P. Steffgen. Born in 1917 in Nebraska. Resident of Linn County, Oregon. Height: 70. Weight: 142. Marital status: separated, without dependents. Education: 2 years of high school. Civil occupation: Semiskilled chauffeurs and drivers, bus, taxi, truck, and tractor. Enlistment on 19 August 1942 at Portland, Oregon. Grade: private.

    8. [S22] Obituary, Nebraska Signal (Geneva, Nebraska); 28 July 1966.
      A transcription and digital image of an obituary for Clara M. Steffgen was provided by Jane Michel.
           "Survivors include...three sons, Michael of Salem, Ore., ...."

    9. [S22] Obituary, Nebraska Signal (Geneva, Nebraska); 2 January 1975.
      Obituary for Henry W. Steffgen who died on 22 December 1974. Transcription provided by Jane Michel.
           "Survivors include his children; Michael of Salem, Ore.; Paul of Winthrop Arbor, Ill.; Lawrence of Tracy, Cal., and Mrs. William (Alice) Fiegenbaum of Albany, Ore., also a sister, Mrs. Hannah Berkbigler of Geneva and nieces and nephews."

    10. [S209] Jane Michel, Genealogical Research, Descendant chart for Michael and Mary (Blum) Steffgen. Created 19 April 2009.
      Michael Philip Steffgen died on 8 October 2004 at Salem, Marion County, Oregon; age 87.

    11. [S117] United States. Social Security Administration. Social Security Death Index (Washington, D.C.: Social Security Administration), Accessed in May 2009 through Ancestry.com.
      Michael P. Steffgen. Social Security Number: 508-03-8227; issued in Nebraska before 1951. Born on 23 May 1917. Died on 8 October 2004. Last residence was Salem, Marion County, Oregon, 97301.

    12. [S209] Jane Michel, Genealogical Research, From the file (Michael & Mary Steffgen.doc) emailed on 30 May 2009. pages 5-7.
      Michael Philip Steffgen died in 2004.

    13. [S5] Frances Gretchen (Klein) Leenerts, Genealogical research.
      Henry Steffgen and Clara Spohn were married. No date or place given.

    14. [S209] Jane Michel, Genealogical Research, Descendant chart for Michael and Mary (Blum) Steffgen. Created 19 April 2009.
      Henry Steffgen and Clara Spohn were married about 1917.

    15. [S30] Certificate of Marriage, Fillmore County, Nebraska; Number 607; June 1916.
      Digital image of Fillmore County Marriage Records, Book 6, page 607 provided by Jane Michel, a single document comprising: 1) Application for Marriage License; 2) Marriage License; 3) Certificate of Marriage; 4) Report of Marriage.
           Certificate of Marriage signed by "Rev. Bernard Sproll" on 20 June 1916.
           Rev. Sprall certified that "Henry W. Steffgen" and "Miss Clara Spohn" were married on 19 June 1916 at Geneva, Fillmore County, Nebraska. Witnesses were Jack Walter and Rosa Spohn.

           Report of Marriage signed by County Judge W. R. Fulton.
           Henry W. Steffgen: residence=Grafton; color or race=[blank]; age at last birthday=22; single; number of marriage=[blank]; birthplace=Hamilton County, Nebraska; occupation=farming; name of father or guardian=Mike Steffgen; birthplace of father=Germany; maiden name of mother=Bloom Mary; birthplace of mother=Atlantic Ocean.
           Clara Spohn: residence=Geneva, Nebraska; color or race=[blank]; age at last birthday=18; single; number of marriage=[blank]; birthplace=Seward; occupation=[blank]; name of father or guardian=Philip Spohn; birthplace of father=Illinois; maiden name of mother=Mary Braden; birthplace of mother=Illinois.
           Date of license: 19 June 1916.
           Date of marriage: 20 [sic] June 1916.
           Place of marriage: Fillmore County; City of Grafton [sic].
           Ceremony performed by "Father Sproll".

           In this single document, note that the contradictions in the reported date of the marriage and the reported place of marriage.

    16. [S209] Jane Michel, Genealogical Research, From the file (Michael & Mary Steffgen.doc) emailed on 30 May 2009. pages 5-7.
      Henry W. Steffgen and Clara Marie Spohn were married on 19 June 1916 at Geneva, Fillmore County, Nebraska. Jane cited "Fillmore County NE Marriages, HSHS, Lincoln From Original Book 6, #607."

    17. [S22] Obituary, Nebraska Signal (Geneva, Nebraska); 28 July 1966.
      A transcription and digital image of an obituary for Clara M. Steffgen was provided by Jane Michel.
           "She was married to Henry Steffgen at Grafton June 20, 1919, by Rev. B. Sproll."
           The Certificate of Marriage, signed by Rev. Bernard Sproll and filed in Fillmore County, certifies that the marriage took place at Geneva, Nebraska on 19 June 1916. It should be noted that the entire document contains numerous contradictions relating to dates and places. Nevertheless, it seems fairly certain that the marriage occurred in 1916, not 1919.

    18. [S25] Marriage license, Fillmore County, Nebraska; Number 607; June 1916.
      Digital image of Fillmore County Marriage Records, Book 6, page 607 provided by Jane Michel, a single document comprising: 1) Application for Marriage License; 2) Marriage License; 3) Certificate of Marriage; 4) Report of Marriage.
           Application for Marriage License filed by Henry W. Steffgen, of Fillmore County, Nebraska and signed by County Judge W. R. Fulton on 16 June 1916.

           Marriage License for "Henry W. Steffgen" and "Clara Spohn" signed by County Judge W. R. Fulton on 19 June 1919 [sic].
           Henry W. Steffgen: age 22; white; born in Hamilton County, "Neb" [Nebraska]; residing in Grafton, "Nebr".
           Clara Spohn: age 18; white; born in Geneva, "Neb"; residing in Geneva, "Neb".

    19. [S179] Ancestry.com (library edition), World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918 (http://search.ancestrylibrary.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=6482 in December 2017), Accessed in May 2009.
      Transcription of registration card.
           Side 1: 1) Full name: Henry Steffgen. Age: 23 years. 2) Home address: Grafton, Nebraska. 3) Date of birth: 26 October 1893. 4) Citizenship: natural born. 5) Place of birth: Stockham, Nebraska. 7) Occupation: farmer. 9) Dependents: wife and one child. 10) Marital status: married; Race: cau.
           Side 2: 1) Build: medium; slender. 2) Color of eyes: gray; Color of hair: brown.
           Registration card entered on 5 June [1917?] at Momence Precinct, Fillmore County, Nebraska.

    20. [S106] United States; Bureau of the Census, U.S. Census (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration), 1930. NARA microfilm T626, roll 1,280, page 14 A (image 709).
      Access through Ancestry.com in April 2009.
           Henry W Steffgen household, 1930 U.S. census, Fillmore County, Nebraska, population schedule, Geneva, Ward 3, Supervisor’s District 11, Enumeration District 13, census sheet 14 A, enumerated 7 April 1930 by Maude M. Fiegenbaum, 326 8th Street, dwelling 399, family 412, lines 11-16.
           The household consisted of: 11) Steffgen, Henry N.; head; rents home; monthly rent=12; has radio; does not live on a farm; male; white; age 36; married; age 23 at marriage; attended school or college since 1 Sept. 1929=no; can read and write; born in Nebraska; father born in Germany; mother born in Wisconsin; speaks English; occupation=mechanic; industry or business=garage; at work on last regular work day; not a military veteran. 12) Steffgen, Clara M.; wife; female; white; age 31; married; age 18 at marriage; attended school or college since 1 Sept. 1929=no; can read and write; born in Nebraska; father born in New York; mother born in Illinois; speaks English; occupation=none.
      13) Steffgen, Michael P.; son; male; white; age 12; single; attended school or college since 1 Sept. 1929=yes; can read and write; born in Nebraska; father born in Nebraska; mother born in Nebraska; speaks English; occupation=none. 14) Steffgen, Paul F.; son; male; white; age 10; single; attended school or college since 1 Sept. 1929=yes; can read and write; born in Nebraska; father born in Nebraska; mother born in Nebraska; speaks English; occupation=none. 15) Steffgen, Lawrence E.; son; male; white; age 8; single; attended school or college since 1 Sept. 1929=yes; whether able to read and write=yes, over-written with "O"; born in Nebraska; father born in Nebraska; mother born in Nebraska; whether able to speak English=yes, crossed out; occupation=none. 16) Steffgen, Alice L.; daughter; female; white; age 6; single; attended school or college since 1 Sept. 1929=yes; whether able to read and write=yes, over-written with "O"; born in Nebraska; father born in Nebraska; mother born in Nebraska; whether able to speak English=yes, crossed out; occupation=none.
           The enumeration was conducted by Maude Mary (Montgomery) Fiegenbaum.