According to information given to the 1900 U.S. Federal Census of Kent County, Michigan, Ferdinand SCHULTE, along with wife, Elizabeth (BRUCHMANN) and four children, Johann (John), Anton (Anthony), Theresa and Frank, immigrated to the U.S. from Germany in the year 1880. The exact date is not known nor is the exact place of origin.

Ferdinand and Elizabeth SCHULTE married in Germany, date unknown. Parents of the couple are also unknown. The earliest we find Ferdinand in Grand Rapids is in the 1881-82 Grand Rapids City Directory where he is listed as "laborer" and is residing at 95 Broadway w s. (west side)

The 1882-83 G.R. City Directory lists him as "laborer", residing at 169 4th w s.

The 1883-84 City Directory again lists his occupation as "laborer" and now he is residing at 36 1st w s. This residence was later sold to his son, Frank and was where my father, Raymund Charles SCHULTE grew up. The house was torn down in the 1960's to make way for the I-196 Freeway.

In 1884-85 he is simply listed as residing at 36 1st w s. He has no listing in the 1885-86 directory, but is again listed in the 1886-87 directory as residing at 36 1st w s. No occupation is given.

The 1900 Federal Census shows his birthdate as Dec 1826, age 73 at last birthday and a widower (Elizabeth died 8-Apr-1898). It also shows he immigrated in 1880, has been in this country 20 years and was born in Germany. Occupation listed as "landlord" and owns his home F&C (free and clear).

It is not known if this family had any other kin in the U.S. at the time. There was a Franz Anton SCHULTE, a native of Kirchzeischede, Germany who came to Grand Rapids the same year (1880) and attended the same church (St. Mary's), but he is said by family members to be of no relation.

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Elizabeth BRUCHMANN

Little is known about Elizabeth. The family apparently arrived here too late to be included in the 1880 US Census. There was no 1890 Census being it burned up and she died 08-Apr-1898 before the 1900 Census came out. All I have is her Kent County Record of Death which shows her date of death, that she was married, her age at death 68 years, 9 months, 0 days, that she died in Kent County of "General Paralysis" and that her birthplace was Germany/Europe.  No occupation or parents are shown.

I do have a nice professional picture of her closed, flower-draped coffin, but I prefer not to show it here as it somehow seems unethical.


The Children:   John  -  Anthony  -  Theresa  -  Frank

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tkschulte@sbcglobal.net

Terry Schulte - Grand Rapids, Kent County, MI

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