2010 -fall_-_vol._5,_number_3 (2)

Under the High Patronage of His Royal Highness Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg

GAZETTE VOL. 5, NUMBER 3FALL 2010

In this Issue

Page 2Board of Directors

Executive Director’s Letter

Page 3LACS Partners with LuxembourgBoard of Economic Development

Luxembourg’s Bicyclist Sensations

Page 6LACS “Discover Luxembourg 2010”

Page 8Holiday Gift Ideas

0Industrious Luxembourgers in theUnited States of America – Part 2

Page 12Settlement Spotlight: Sheldon Township, New York

Page 13Luxembourg Fest of America - 2011

Page 14Remembrance Gifts

Page 16Support the LACS’ 2010 Annual Fund Appeal

Luxembourg American Cultural Center100 Peter Thein AvenueP.O. Box 157Belgium, WI 53004-0157, USAPhone: 262-476-5086Fax: 262-476-5087Email: [email protected]

Visit us, too, on Facebook & LinkedIn

Cultural Center Hours:Wednesday - Thursday - Friday

10 a.m. - 4 p.m.Saturdays (1st & 3rd)

1 - 4 p.m. Also by appointmentGroups welcome

Hundreds of participants including dignitaries, Luxembourg American Cultural Society members, and guestsgathered on August 7 to celebrate the Grand Opening of the new Luxembourg American Cultural Center. Inparticular, the Grand Opening celebration marked the completion of the Center’s Roots and Leaves Museumhoused in the rebuilt 1872 Mamer-Hansen stone barn, the last Luxembourgian stone barn in the state ofWisconsin.

The Grand Opening was celebrated outdoors in the Adolph and Marie Ansay Courtyard and adjacentPesche – Leider Luxembourg Garden. Music for the program and all of Heritage Weekend was provided bythe Luxembourg duo 2000 Volt featuring Jos Schartz and Jean-Pol Meis.

LACS Board Chairman Richard Witry served as master of ceremonies and welcomed the weekend’shonored guest, Madame Octavie Modert, Luxembourg’s Minister of Culture. Madame Modert has been adriving force in promoting both the Cultural Society and the new Cultural Center in Luxembourg over thepast four years.

Minister Modert’s speech entitled “Congratulations” not only congratulated all of those who wereinstrumental in funding and building the Center but it also reminded those present that the mission of theSociety is something that is living. The Society must not only focus on the heritage of our past, it must alsoembrace young people and continued relations between Luxembourg and the United States on many different levels.

Following the Minister’s speech, Georges Calteux, retired Director of Sites & Monuments and LACSBoard Member, offered a speech entitled “Remember”. His remarks were a call to remember the many people and things that had brought the Cultural Center to this point. He challenged everyone to rememberthe courage and sacrifice of their ancestors. To remember the atrocities that Luxembourg experienced

Grand Opening of the Luxembourg AmericanCultural Center Celebrated on August 7

Minister of Culture Octavie Modert speaking at the Grand Opening

(continued on page 4)

Executive Director’s Letter

October 2010

Dear LACS Members & Friends,

It has been nearly three months since Heritage Weekend and the Grand Opening of the Cultural Center and members are still talking about the experience! Specialthanks to Luxembourg’s Minister of Culture, Madame Octavie Modert, for gracing us with her presence this year. It was also wonderful that her husband, Jean-PierreStronck, could join us. It was his first time with the Luxembourg American community and now he is one of our dear Luxembourgish friends!

Thanks, too, to all of the special guests who played an important role in HeritageWeekend:

Ambassador Jean-Paul Senninger, Luxembourg Ambassador to the US

The Honorable Edward Rowell, retired US Ambassador to Luxembourg

Le Rowell & Denise Feiereisen, representing the International Quilt Guild of

Luxembourg

Guy Dockendorf, Director General – Luxembourg Ministry of Culture

Georges Calteux, Retired Director of Sites & Monuments in Luxembourg

Dr. David Perrott, Board Member and speaker at the Grand Opening

Bishop Raymond Goedert, Retired Auxiliary Bishop, Archdiocese of Chicago

Professor John C. Brown, Clark University – Henry J. Leir Luxembourg Program

2000 Volt, Musicians Jos Schartz and Jean-Pol Meis

Claude Wey, Lead presenter at this year’s Cultural Conference

Fausto Gardini, Jean Ensch, Mary Nilles – Presenters at the Cultural Conference

Consul Georges Schmit – Presenter at our first Commerce Conference

Roger Kohnen – Board Member American Luxembourg Society

Joseph Lorent & Eric Hamus – Luxemburger Wort newspaper

Finally, Heritage Weekend 2010 would not have been such a success without theassistance of our dedicated volunteers. We especially thank Sara Jacoby who coordinated this year’s Green Heart Gala Dinner Auction and the many volunteerswho helped prepare for and execute this year’s Gala. Thanks to all of our volunteerswho helped in any way, shape or form. You are the life-blood of the LACS and your time and effort help to make our mission possible!

Gratefully yours,

Kevin WesterExecutive Director

2 THE LUXEMBOURG AMERICAN CULTURAL SOCIETY GAZETTE • FALL 2010

LUXEMBOURG AMERICANCULTURAL SOCIETY, INC.BOARD OF DIRECTORS

OFFICERSRichard Witry - ChairmanChicago, Illinois

David Perrott- 1st Vice ChairSalinas, California

Ethan Hastert - 2nd Vice ChairChicago, Illinois

James Birnbaum - SecretaryLa Crosse, Wisconsin

Edward Zapp - TreasurerSt. Cloud, Minnesota

DIRECTORSMichael AnsayPort Washington, Wisconsin

Steve BefortSt. Paul, Minnesota

Jay BinsfeldPhoenix, Arizona

Allen BuchholzCedarburg, Wisconsin

Jean CalmesNaples, Florida & Luxembourg City, Luxembourg

Georges CalteuxEchternach, Luxembourg

Lloyd Croatt - Chairman EmeritusMilwaukee, Wisconsin

René DaubenfeldSurre, Luxembourg

Guy DockendorfDiekirch, Luxembourg

Jean EnschStrassen, Luxembourg

Mary FlierlPort Washington, Wisconsin

Fausto GardiniJacksonville, Florida

Barbara HamesChicago, Illinois

Donald HansenEstero, Florida

Gerda HansenEstero, Florida

Robert JohannsTétange, Luxembourg

Fernand LameschNew York, New York

Jim MichelsAurora, Illinois

Guy MorisBertrange, Luxembourg

Rick RoderRemsen, Iowa

Dennis TheinRochester, Minnesota

Egide TheinNaples, Florida

Guy ThomasLuxembourg City, Luxembourg

THE LUXEMBOURG AMERICAN CULTURAL SOCIETY GAZETTE • FALL 2010 3

On August 6, 2010, the LACS’s new Commerce Committee partnered with Luxembourg’s Board of Economic Development in San Francisco to host their first joint Commerce Conference. TheCommerce Conference was held at the Prairie Conference Center in West Bend, Wisconsin and ran concurrently with the LACS’ annual Cultural Conference.

The Commerce Conference was facilitated by Consul Georges Schmit of San Francisco, director of Luxembourg’s Board of Economic Development Office in San Francisco. Through networking efforts of the LACS’ Commerce Committee, 15 American business prospects gathered to learn more about commercial and economic opportunities in the Grand Duchy.

Following an overview presentation of the business climate of Luxembourg, Consul Schmit met one on one with attendees toanswer their questions about doing business in Europe, specifically in Luxembourg.

Mike Ansay, Chair of the LACS’ Commerce Committee commented about the conference: “This is the first step in building a network of opportunities for companies in the USA to partner with the country of Luxembourgand the European Union. We will continue this process in other regions. The LACS is committed to developing economic relation-ships through its own relationships.”

To learn more about commerce/economic opportunities in Luxembourg, contact Consul Schmit at 415-788-0816 [email protected]. Also, visit www.luxembourgforbusiness.org

Center in early-August. The Schlecksinstructed them that they wanted one of the jerseys to be auctioned at the Gala andthe other jersey and items were to remainpart of the Cultural Center’s permanent collection.

The signed jersey was a true highlightat this year’s Gala and brought in a $800 bid!The LACS offers its heartfelt gratitude toMarianne & Robert Johanns, their well-connected neighbor, and most importantlyto Frank and Andy Schleck for their generos-ity and kindness. Their support of the LACSwas outstanding and we are ever grateful!

Luxembourg American Cultural Society Partners withLuxembourg Board of Economic Development

Luxembourg’s Bicyclist Sensations - Frank & Andy Schleck - Donate Jerseys to LACS

Two of the hottest bicyclist sensations inthe world are Luxembourg’s very own Frank& Andy Schleck. Frank was born in 1980 andhis illustrious career includes winning a blueriband moutain stage in the 2006 Tour deFrance and an alpine stage of 2009 Tour deFrance.

His younger brother, Andy, born in 1985,gained special fame in 2009 for finishing sec-ond overall in the Tour de France while alsoclaiming the Tour’s Young Rider Classification.In 2010, Andy once again finished secondoverall in the Tour de France, losing toAlberto Contador by just 39 seconds.

Frank and Andy have understandablywon the acclaim of their fellowLuxembourgers and bicyclists and fansthroughout the world. The Schleck brotherscome from a long-line of noted bicyclistswith their father, Johny Schleck being a professional bicyclist in the 1960s and 1970sand their grandfather, Gustave Schleck, participating in bicycling races in the 1930s.

So what do the Schlecks have to do withthe Luxembourg American Cultural Society?In anticipation of our 2010 Green Heart GalaDinner Auction, the Gala Committee contact-ed LACS members Robert & MarianneJohanns of Tétange, Luxembourg to see ifthey might be willing to bring along posters

or other racing memoribilia from the Schlecksas special items for the 2010 Gala.

Marianne Johanns knew that her neigh-bors were personal friends of the Schleckfamily. So Marianne approached them withthe request. In turn, the family friend contactedthe Schlecks and Frank and Andy graciouslyprovided two signed jerseys for the LACS.Both Schleck brothers signed each jersey andalso wrote “Belgium, Wisconsin 2010” onthem.

The Johanns brought the signed jerseysand other signed memorabilia from theSchlecks along with them to the Cultural

Consul Georges Schmit

L-R: Robert Johanns, Dick Witry, Minister Modert and Kevin Wester


in the Second World War and to rememberhow American forces liberated Luxembourgso its independence could be retained.Finally, to remember all of those who sacri-ficed to make the Luxembourg AmericanCultural Center possible as a legacy for generations to come.

LACS Board Member, Dr. David Perrott of Salinas, California was the final speakerand offered an address entitled “AncestralRoots and 21st Century Leaves”. His remarkspointed out that while the foundation of theSociety and Center is the deep faith andexample of our immigrant ancestors, the realchallenge as we look ahead is to nurture“leaves”. This will be accomplished by continued financial support of the Center, by establishing a LACS Endowment Fund, by growing membership, and by spreadingthe word about the many benefits that theSociety and Center have to offer.

Following the three speeches, represen-tatives of the International Quilt Guild ofLuxembourg, Le Rowell and DeniseFeiereisen presented two heirloom quilts

to the Center. Le is the wife of retired U.S.Ambassador to Luxembourg, Ed Rowell. Sheis the founder of the International Quilt Guildof Luxembourg. Denise resides in Useldange,Luxembourg and is an active member of theGuild. Le presented the first quilt which wasa WWII Liberation Quilt. Denise presentedthe second quilt which is a tapestry depictingfireworks over Luxembourg’s Adolph Bridgeand the fortifications of Luxembourg City.

The Grand Opening ceremony concludedwith a blessing of the new, stone sculptureof Our Lady of Luxembourg that was sculpt-ed by Luxembourger Misch Schiltz. Thesculpture has found a home in the Adolphand Marie Ansay Courtyard and was com-missioned by the Ansay family. BishopRaymond Goedert, retired auxiliary bishop of Chicago, blessed the statue. He wasassisted by Fr. Jim Ernster, Belgium,Wisconsin, Fr. Martin Siebenaler, Hastings,Minnesota, and Fr. Patrick Muller, a guest from Luxembourg representing theArchdiocese of Luxembourg and ArchbishopFernand Franck.

Following the ceremony, the CulturalCenter was open for tours and 2000 Voltprovided musical entertainment.

The Cultural Society reminds its support-ers that the Roots and Leaves CapitalCampaign continues with the goal of allevi-ating the construction debt of $180,000 onthe multi-million dollar facility. Donations canstill be made for a handful of “leaves” on theLuxembourg American Family Tree, as wellas Legacy Panels, Commemorative Bricks,Pavers, and Benches. Donations to theCultural Center are tax-deductible both inthe United States and in the Grand Duchy.

The Cultural Center is open for visitorsWednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays from 10a.m. - 4 p.m. and Saturdays (1st & 3rd) from 1 - 4 p.m. and other times by appointment. Ifyou plan to do major genealogical researchat the Center you are encouraged to callahead or email to make an appointment –262-476-5086 [email protected]. To learnmore about the Cultural Society and Centervisit www.luxamculturalsociety.org.

Grand Opening of the Luxembourg American Cultural Center (continued from page 1)


Photos courtesy of Michael Croatt, Allen Buchholz and Guy Dockendorf


The LACS’ second Heritage, Cultural, andGastronomical Tour of Luxembourg,“Discover Luxembourg 2010”, was aresounding success! A wonderful group of24 travelers from California to Indiana,accompanied by LACS Executive DirectorKevin Wester, enjoyed 12 glorious days inLuxembourg exploring the Grand Duchy fromnorth to south from May 21 - June 2. Thegoal of the tour was to offer participants acomplete immersion in the history, culture,and gastronomy of the Grand Duchy.

The group was also accompanied byLACS members from Luxembourg, Robert &Marianne Johanns, who are members of theLACS Tourism Committee. Along with theJohanns, René Daubenfeld, LACS TourismCommittee member and director of “BuildingBridges Tours” of Luxembourg also assistedthe group in a myriad of important ways.

The Discover Luxembourg group depart-ed Chicago O’Hare and arrived in Brussels,Belgium. This was followed by a two-hourcoach bus ride to Clervaux, in the north of

Luxembourg, where the group stayed at theHotel International for the first days of thetour. The first evening in Luxembourg, theDiscover Luxembourg group was welcomedat a lovely reception hosted by RenéDaubenfeld in Surré, Luxembourg whereRene is mayor. Nearly 70 Luxembourgersgathered to greet the group!

From Clervaux, the group stayed at theGrand Cravat Hotel in Luxembourg City,located in the heart of the old city ofLuxembourg. This strategic location allowedtour participants to walk to shops, restau-rants and Luxembourg City’s most populartown squares.

As the tour unfolded, the DiscoverLuxembourg group visited many interestingattractions in the Grand Duchy:• St. Maurice Benedictine Abbey in

Clervaux• Battle of the Bulge Monument in

Bastogne, Belgium• Scenic village of Esch-sur-Sure• Family of Man Exhibit (created by

Luxembourg American photographerEdward Steichen)

• National Military Museum, Diekirch• General Patton Museum & Monument,

Ettelbruck• “Little Switzerland” part of Luxembourg

including the Schisstupi Bridge• Luxembourg City casements and fortress• Chamber of Deputies building next to the

Grand Ducal palace• Ride on the Petrusse express through the

Petrusse Valley• Philharmonic Concert Hall• Bofferding Brewery• St. Remigius Baroque Church in Koerich• Pottery & Peckvillerchen Museum in

Nospelt• Mass at Notre Dame Cathedral in

Luxembourg City• Scheierbierg look-out point over the

Moselle River• Remich on the Moselle• Moselle River cruise on the new Marie

Astrid cruiser

LACS “Discover Luxembourg 2010” TourTravelers Enjoy 12 Glorious Days in Luxembourg


• Grevenmacher on the Moselle• Wine and farewell reception at the

Schlink Winery on the Moselle• Saturday open air market in Luxembourg

City• Lunch at the Grand Ducal Golf Course• German World War II Military Cemetery• American Military Cemetery, Hamm• Dinner at world renowned chef Lea

Linster’s Kaschthaus restaurant• Mass at Mersch parish church• Tour of Vianden Castle• Dinner at the Bourglinster CastleIt was an action packed 12 days for the tour participants!

While all aspects of the DiscoverLuxembourg 2010 Tour were memorable, a few experiences were truly outstanding. Top on the list would be the annual “Sprang” Dancing Procession in honor of St. Willibrord in Echternach on May 25. This medieval “hopping” procession is difficult to describe but proved moving withits haunting musical melody and the partici-pation of dancing groups and bands fromthroughout Luxembourg and the greaterregion. Twelve members of the LACS tourgroup danced in the procession. It wasexciting and so memorable!

Another highlight of the tour was Masswith Archbishop Fernand Franck at theNotre Dame Cathedral in Luxembourg City.At the end of Mass, the Archbishop invitedthe group to gather around the specialOctave Altar displaying the 17th centurystatue of Our Lady of Luxembourg. The Massended with the group singing the traditional“O Mamm, Leif Mamm” hymn in front of thealtar and statue.

The Discover Luxembourg 2010 Tourgroup also participated in AmericanMemorial Day services at the AmericanMilitary Cemetery in Hamm, Luxembourg.Over 5,000 of America’s bravest soldiers whodied in the Battle of the Bulge are buriedthere along with General Patton. CelebratingMemorial Day in this sacred place wasunforgettable. Luxembourg’s Crown PrinceGuillaume, U.S. Ambassador Cynthia Stroum, and a Presidential Delegationfrom Washington were the headliners.

The Welcome Reception in Surre,Luxembourg and the Farewell Reception at theSchlink Winery were momentous occasions.Bringing together groups of Luxembourgersand Luxembourg Americans to eat, drink, sing,and visit together reminds us what the missionof the LACS mission is all about - fostering

leaves of family and friendship! We wereextremely honored that Minister of CultureOctavie Modert joined us at the FarewellReception at Schlink’s on the Moselle.

Finally, a last memorable moment was a special visit with world-renowned,Luxembourg chef Lea Linster. As we arrivedat Lea’s Kaschthaus Restaurant in Hellange,Lea took time to greet us! She loves to kiss,so everyone in our group got a nice big kissfrom Lea. As she departed, Lea invited ourgroup to stop at her other restaurant inFrisange on our way back to the hotel.At her restaurant in Frisange, Lea graciouslytreated all of us to a glass of wine and shepersonally autographed one of her awardwinning cookbooks for everyone in thegroup! What an honor and what a kind giftfrom Lea!

The LACS offers a heartfelt THANK YOUto everyone, on both sides of the ocean,who made this year’s Discover Luxembourgtour a resounding success! Special thanksto Barbara Hames, Robert & MarianneJohanns, René Daubenfeld, Joerg at ValueHolidays, and Kiki and Lothar (our faithfulbus driver) at Bollig Travel in Luxembourg.We couldn’t have done this without all ofyour leadership and support!

Join the LACS for its Next Tour!

“DISCOVER LUXEMBOURG 2011”September 2011

Enjoy a one-of-a-kind Heritage, Cultural, and Gastronical Tour that will immerse you in our beloved Luxembourg!Tour leader – Kevin Wester, LACS Executive Director

For more information or to make your reservation, contact the LACS Office at 262-476-5086 or [email protected]

Space is limited!


Holiday Gift IdeasLet the LACS help you with your holiday gift-giving needs!

St. Nicholas Holiday Membership SpecialJolly old St. Nicholas invites you to consider a special membership offer during thisHoliday time of year! Purchase ONE new gift membership in the LACS at full-price andget a second membership (at the same level) for HALF-OFF!

This is a great gift idea for your children, grandchildren, parents, siblings or some-one special in your life! Provide them with a one-of-a-kind gift that will immerse themin their Luxembourg heritage. It is a gift that they will enjoy all year long!

So purchase ONE new gift membership in the LACS at full-price and get a secondmembership (at the same level) for HALF-OFF!

Contact the LACS to order your Holiday Memberships today: 262-476-5086 [email protected]

LACS Gift ShopThe LACS Gift Shop has a myriad of unique gifts that will be treasured and enjoyed by thosespecial people on your holiday gift-giving list! From books, to t-shirts, to Luxembourg handi-crafts, to travel books, to CDs and DVDs, to children’s items, to LACS Gift Shop Certificates....let the LACS Gift Shop make this year’s holiday shopping easy! Visit our Shop at the CulturalCenter or enjoy our Gift Shop ONLINE! We will ship directly to you or your loved one and wecan even include a Holiday card!

SHOP ONLINE AT THE LACS GIFT SHOP AT www.luxamculturalsociety.org (click on GIFTSHOP and enjoy!)

Luxembourg Wine and Gift BasketsGarland Wines has teamed up with the LACS to offer Luxembourg Wine and Gift Baskets.Three different size gift baskets range in price from $37.50 to $109.75. ALL products in the giftbasket have a Luxembourg “connection” including Luxembourg wine from Bernard-Massard,delicious string cheese from Luxembourg American cheesemaker “Baker Cheese” of St.Cloud, Wisconsin, Luxembourg Legacy Popcorn, and traditional beef and pork Luxembourgsausage (not treipen!) from Silver Creek Specialty Meats.

To view all of the Luxembourg Wine and Gift Basket options, visit Garland Wines atwww.garlandwines.com (then click on Gift Catalogue, then Gifts from Luxembourg) or contactGarland Wines (1-800-737-0040) or the LACS Office (262-476-5086) for more information.

The LACS receives a 10% donation from Garland Wines for all Luxembourg Wine and GiftBaskets sold! This is a unique gift for your family and friends for the Holidays and throughoutthe year!

Commemorative Bench


Luxembourg American Family Tree

Commemorative Paver Commemorative Brick

*Note: Donations for Legacy Panels, Leaves or Commemorative Benches can be pledged over a 1 - 3 year periodAll donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law.

Questions? Contact Kevin Wester at 262-476-5086 or [email protected]

Legacy Panels *Tell your family story or the story of some-one special on a Legacy Panel at theCultural Center. This premiere recognitionopportunity is available for a tax-deductiblegift of $5,000

Leaf on the Luxembourg American Family Tree * Only NINE more leaves are available on thestunning Family Tree. Don’t miss this once ina lifetime opportunity to honor your family orloved ones. This recognition opportunity isavailable for a tax-deductible gift of $2,500

Commemorative Bench *Only TWO more commemorative benchesare available! These benches grace thecourtyard and conservancy of the CulturalCenter and bear a plaque with your specialinscription. This recognition opportunity isavailable for a tax-deductible gift of $1,250

Give your loved one (or yourself) the gift that will last a lifetime! Various recognition opportunities are still available at the Cultural Center. Show your support for the Center and leave a Family Legacyfor generations to come!

Commemorative PaverCommemorative pavers grace the shrinearea surrounding the statue of Our Lady ofLuxembourg. Pavers include ample room toinscribe the names of your loved ones oryour unique message. This recognitionopportunity is available for a tax-deductiblegift of $600

Commemorative BrickJoin over 200 LACS members and friendswho have recognized their loved ones with acommemorative brick in the Center’sCourtyard. Ensure that YOUR family namelives on at the Cultural Center. This recogni-tion opportunity is available for a tax-deductible gift of $175

Give a Gift of a Lifetime A Legacy Panel, Leaf on the Family Tree, or Commemorative Bench, Paver or Brick


When I introduced this series of articles inthe Luxembourg American Gazette, Vol. 5,Number 1, Winter 2010, I mentioned thenames Hentges of LeMars and Kass ofRemsen, Iowa, Krier of Belgium, Wisconsinand Speltz of Winona, Minnesota. In theLuxembourg American Gazette, Vol. 5,Number 2, Spring 2010, I covered severalindustrious Luxembourgers, and with theexception of Krier, none of the aforemen-tioned. This Part 2 will remedy the lapse.

Kass Family1. Mathias Kass (1826-1904)arrived in New York on May 6, 1852, aboardthe Belgian Bark Koophandle from Antwerp,Belgium. In 1855, in Paris, Kenosha County,Wisconsin, he was united in marriage withEva Mich (1835-1912), who was born inEchternach, Luxembourg and had arrived inNew York on May 3, 1852 aboard the ShipAshburton from Liverpool, England. Between1856 and 1878, the Mathias Kass and EvaMich couple had thirteen children. The family settled in Dunleith Township, JoDaviess County, Illinois.

In 1857, in Kenosha, Wisconsin, NicholasKass (1834-1896), brother of Mathias, marriedElizabeth Mich (1832-1892), sister of Eva. Thefamily settled in Remsen, Iowa. The couplehad nine children. In 1884, Nicholas Kass, Jr.(1860-1946), together with his father, openeda general store, N. Kass & Son.

Nicholas Kass, Jr. married MargaretHoffman of LeMars, Plymouth County, Iowaand they had five children. She passed awayin 1897. Nicholas then married Susan Lutz,née Arens, who had two children from herdeceased husband, Peter Lutz. Two moredaughters were born to the couple.

Besides the Remsen store, the Kass family later also owned stores in Marcus,Cherokee County and Sanborn, O’BrienCounty, Iowa. William J. Kass, the youngestson of Nicholas and Elizabeth, graduatedfrom the University of Michigan in 1901 with a Bachelor of Laws and established KassBrothers a law partnership in Remsen, Iowa,with his brother Jacob F. Kass, who had grad-uated from the University of Michigan in 1895.

A second law office was opened in SiouxCity, Iowa, managed by Jacob F. In 1914,William J. moved to Sioux City and theRemsen office was renamed Kass Brothers& Sievers, with Frank A. Sievers as manager.

Albert J. Kass, son of Nicholas, Jr. andMargaret Hoffman, after serving sixteenmonths overseas with the 109th PioneerInfantry, entered the law firm. He had gradu-ated from Iowa State University in 1917. In1906, William J. and Jacob F. Kass and otherlocal notables organized the First NationalBank, Remsen.

The 1921 Atlas of Plymouth County liststhe following officers for the bank: W.J.Kass, President; F.G. Meinert, Vice-President;W.G. Sievers, Cashier; C.J. Ahmann,Assistant Cashier; S.R. Nothem, Teller.

Hentges Family 2. Johann (John) Hentges(1839-1911) was born in Bissen, Luxembourg,son of Wilhelm Hentges and KatherinaWolff. In 1871, in Houston County,Minnesota, he was united with Marie Burg,who with her father Jean Bourg, who wasborn in Bigelbach, municipality of Reisdorf,Luxembourg, mother Marie Brosius, andseven brothers and sisters, from Bissen,Luxembourg, had arrived in New York onMay 19, 1857, aboard the Edward Stanleyfrom Le Havre, France. There are some 200passengers, out of a total of 652, identifiedwith Luxembourg as their place of origin onthat particular trans-Atlantic sailing.

John Hentges and Mary, née Burg(Bourg) had eleven children. The obituary ofJohn Hentges states that he immigrated tothe United States at age 24 and that he set-tled first in Chicago, Illinois before migratingto LeMars, Plymouth County, Iowa in 1870.There, brothers John and Nicholas Hentges

established the Hentges Clothing Company,which they operated several years in partner-ship with brother-in-law Michael Burg as Burg& Hentges.

Another brother, Theodore Hentges,farmed near Sheldon and Alton, Sioux County,Iowa. John Hentges retired from the businessin 1895 and the business continued to flourishunder his sons. Edward J. Hentges opened abranch in Yankton, Yankton County in 1902 anda second in Watertown, Codington County,South Dakota in 1910, managed by Joseph V.Hentges.

According to a biography, another store was opened in 1913 in Alton, Madison County,Illinois3. The 1921 Atlas of Plymouth County liststhe following businesses in LeMars: HentgesClothing Co., and Hentges Shoe Co.

Speltz Family 4. In the old days one couldoften tell the likely provenance of many fami-lies from Luxembourg by the family name, i.e.the name Bassing is prominent in Vianden,Beckius in the Wormeldange area, Croat inNagem, Dieschbourg/Dieschburg inEchternach, Gonner in and around the city ofLuxembourg and Rivers in Heffingen. The nameSpeltz dominates in the village ofGreiveldange.

In 1822, in Luxembourg, Nicholas Speltz(1796-1859) and Catherine, née Michels (1799-1884) were married. Between 1823 and 1842,the couple was blessed with nine children.Their son Matthew (Matthias) Speltz (1828-1908), born in Contern, Luxembourg, arrived inNew York from Antwerp, Belgium aboard theLeopold 1st on July 3, 1854. He joined his olderbrother Nicholas Speltz (1825-1914) in HolyCross, Dubuque County, Iowa.

Nicholas Speltz and wife Catharina, néeBlasen (1827-1915) had arrived in New York

Industrious Luxembourgers in the United States of America – Part 2By Fausto Gardini, Jacksonville, Florida, LACS Board Member

Store advertisement from Nicholas Kass

Advertisement for Hentges’ Store


aboard the Ship Centurion on May 3, 1852, alsofrom Antwerp. In 1905, Nicholas and Catherineretired to New Hampton, Chickasaw County,Iowa, to live with their son Matt Speltz (1856-1923) who, incidentally, was married toCatherine Hentges.

Three other sons of Nicholas andCatherine Speltz immigrated to the UnitedStates. Peter Speltz (1839-1915), TheodorSpeltz (1840-1889) and John (Jean) Speltz(1842-1927) landed in New York on May 27,1864, aboard the S.S. Westminster fromLiverpool, England. The Speltz boys settled inIowa and Minnesota where they and theirdescendants married predominantly within theLuxembourg immigrant communities.

Matthew married Margaret Rivers (1835-1917), Peter married Anna Catherine Rivers(1844-1876) and John married Elizabeth Rivers(1850-1905). The three sisters were daughtersof Michel Rivers (1804-1880) and Marie-Margaret, née Adhem (1807-1884) of Heffingen,Luxembourg. The Rivers family, consisting ofthe parents and nine children, arrived in NewYork on May 22, 1854 aboard the Ship Vulturefrom Antwerp, Belgium and settled in theRollingstone and Winona, Winona County,Minnesota area.

As stated, the Speltz immigrants and theirdescendants married within the Luxembourgcommunities. Speltz marriages with knownLuxembourgers include the names of Arnoldy(from Machtum), Erpelding (Gonderange),Feltes (Canach), Frisch (Beaufort), Gengler(Useldange), Guidinger (Altwies), Heber(Gilsdorf), Hoffman (Gonderange), Kalmes(Nospelt), Kohner (Bettendorf), Kronebusch(Gostingen), Lehnertz (Heffingen & Zittig),Maus (Luxembourg-unspecified), Neiens(Luxembourg-unspecified), Pulles(Luxembourg-unspecified), Ries (Gostingen),Siebenaler (Greiveldange), Schuh(Greiveldange), Steichen (Luxembourg),Wagner (Heffingen), as well as several Speltz-Speltz unions.

The Speltz family continues to prosper inthe Winona-Rollingstone area as farmers, real-estate developers and in many othertrades and activities.

Hendel family 5. Nicholas Hendel (1847-1923) was born in Dellen, municipality ofGrosbous, Luxembourg, son of Michel Hendeland Marie, née Sontag. In 1869, he traveled tothe United States a first time, together with hisbrother Philip Hendel and wife Catherine, née

Busch. The Busch and Hendel families, alto-gether twelve individuals, arrived in NewYork on June 12, 1869, aboard the S.S. City ofLimerick, from Antwerp, Belgium. They set-tled in Caledonia, Houston County,Minnesota, close to the NicholasSchwebach family from the Pratz,Luxembourg area.

Nicholas returned to Luxembourg andimmigrated to the United States on July 22,1872, with his new bride Margaretha, néeSchieber (1844-1914) of Vichten,Luxembourg, aboard the S.S. Wyoming fromQueenstown & Liverpool. The couple settledin Caledonia, Houston County, Minnesotaand raised eight children there.

Their sons Michael Hendel (1875-1911),Nicholas Hendel, Jr. (1878-1936), JohnHendel (1882-1952) and Frank Hendel(1885-1918) eventually moved to St. Louis,Missouri. Nicholas Jr. married Bertha Albers(1889-1981) and the couple raised elevenchildren. Nicholas and Bertha operated sev-eral meat and grocery businesses in rentedfacilities, employing Nicholas’ brothers.

In 1915, Nicholas established Hendel’sMarket, selling meats and groceries.Hendel’s Market became known as YourMoney’s Worth Grocer. After Nicholas’death in 1936 Hendel’s Market thrived underBertha Hendel and later under son HenryHendel and wife Margaret, née Ebbesmeyer.

The original early section of the buildingwas erected in 1873 with later additions. Thestore closed in August 1993, yet the buildinglocated at 599 St. Denis Street, Florissant,Missouri was preserved and now houses arestaurant called, what else? Hendel’s MarketCafé. (http://www.hendelsrestaurant.com/)

Hendel’s Market

End Notes:[1] Kass family information sources:

St. Mary’s Catholic Church Centennial 1885-1985, Remsen, Iowa.Iowa, Its History and Tradition, Vol. III, 1804-1926Internet: Sziebert’s Family Site: http://www.szgenes.com/index.htmArchives, Fausto Gardini, Jacksonville, Florida.

[2] Hentges family information sources:History of Dakota Territory – South Dakota Its History and Its People, Volume IV,

Chicago, 1915. History of Western Iowa – Its Settlement and Growth, Sioux City, 1882.Internet: Familie Brosius Site:

http://www.teusnerwerbung.com/brosius_lux/index.htmArchives, Fausto Gardini, Jacksonville, Florida.

[3] Likely: Alton, Sioux County, Iowa.[4] Speltz family information sources:

The Winona and Rollingstone Luxembourgers have been extensively researched by Dr. Mary E. Nilles.

Rollingstone, A Luxembourgish Village in Minnesota, Editions Guy Binsfeld,Luxembourg, 1983.

In a Large Circle of Relatives, Mary E. Nilles, Winona, 1989.Hiefenech 120 Jar Kirch – 125 Jar Gesangverain, Heffingen, 1983.Archives, Fausto Gardini, Jacksonville, Florida.

[5] Hendel family information sources:The Hendel Family History and Genealogy, by Julie Roerkohl Okenfuss,

Cincinnati, 2000.Archives, Fausto Gardini, Jacksonville, Florida.


Anyone who has traveled through the countryside of Luxembourg will understandthe sense of familiarity the first immigrantsfrom the Grand Duchy felt when they arrivedin Western New York State in the 1830’s. Itwas here, among the rolling hills and deepvalleys, not far from Buffalo, thatLuxembourgers established the first two set-tlements in America.1 This article will dealwith the first Luxembourg settlers in SheldonTownship, Wyoming County.

Those who study the emigration ofLuxembourgers have often listed the reasonfor their decision to leave their homeland.These “push” factors in the 1830’s includeda series of bad harvests caused by poorweather conditions, larger families due toimproved sanitary conditions, little work forday laborers or part-time craftsmen, compul-sory military service, and political unrest.2

The first immigrants to the Sheldon areaarrived during the period called the “ninestrange years” (1830-1839) during whichLuxembourg was governed from Arlon andyoung men were subject to conscription inthe army of Belgium and later Prussia.

The “pull” factors included the availabilityof land for purchase at relatively low pricesin the East and homesteading further west.There was also the prospect of social andeconomic equality that cannot be ignored.3

For the region of western New York State,the completion of the Erie Canal in 1825

played a major role in opening this area to alarge number of foreign immigrants.

It is hard for us to imagine the challengesthat this voyage of emigration involved. Notonly were there legal preparations that hadto be made before departing, such as sellingland or personal property, but there werealso the physical difficulties of the trip.4

Travel to the ports of debarkation was prima-rily a combination of wagon and river craftas railroads did not become common incontinental Europe until the end of the 1840’sand even as late as 1852 there were no rail-roads in Luxembourg. Once they arrived inNew York the journey continued up theHudson River to Albany and then on the Erie Canal to Buffalo.5

Early immigrants would frequently writeletters encouraging family and friends to follow them.6 Another important factor inearly immigration is the role played by thechurch and its priests. An early Luxembourgmissionary in America was Father John N.Mertz.7 Father Mertz first came to New Yorkin 1802. In 1820 he went home to Europe toraise funds for the American missions. Hereturned to the United States in 1829 andwas sent to western New York by the bishopof New York City because of the languagesthat he spoke. He was stationed at thechurch of St. Louis in Buffalo and made frequent pastoral visits throughout the area,including visits to Sheldon Township from

1830 to 1836.Although the first settlers arrived in

Sheldon as early as March 1804, and thetownship was organized in 1808, the firstLuxembourg immigrants were not recordedas arriving until 1833. They came from various regions of the Grand Duchy ofLuxembourg and what is now the Belgiumprovince of Luxembourg. Nicolas Gonnermentions specifically Redange, Clervaux,and the Germany speaking villages aroundArlon.8 Among those coming to the Sheldonarea from Luxembourg or the province ofLuxembourg before 1840 are the following:Michael Altmayer, 1833; Nicolas Bartz, 1833,Hubbard George, 1834; Peter George, 1834;Henry Reding, 1835; George Hesselschwart,1836; Philip Schwab, 1836, Dominic Gassel,1837; Nicolas George, 1837; Peter George,1837; Henry Wagner, 1838; Theodore Bruell,1838; Nicolas George, 1838, There were manyother immigrants from the region aroundLuxembourg, including Alsace, Lorraine, andthe area around Trier, Germany. Since manyof these families came from Catholic regions,the church community became an importantpart of their lives.

The first Catholic church built in Sheldonwas a log structure “about 28’ wide and 32’long built on a stone foundation and boastinga small tower.”9 It was built at the urging ofthe second priest to serve the Catholics ofSheldon, Rev. John N. Neumann, later fourth

Settlement Spotlight: Sheldon Township, Wyoming County, New YorkBy John Magerus, PhD, LACS Member

St. Cecelia's Church in Sheldon St. Cecelia's Cemetery Grave of Johanna Jakobi of Herzig, Luxembourg


bishop of Philadelphia and canonized a saint in1977. Prior to the construction of this churchbuilding occasional Masses had been cele-brated in the homes of Henry Reding and PeterGeorge both immigrants from Luxembourg.

On November 3, 1839, Joseph Sloane andHenry Reding presided over the meeting thatresulted in the act of incorporation of the“Sheldon Roman Catholic Society.” The firstmeeting, held in the recently completed logchurch, elected as trustees of the parish, PeterGeorge, Conrad Hieman, Hubbard George andJacob Baulkey. Over the years the names ofmany Luxembourgers figure prominently in therecords of this parish.

Although Gonner expressed doubts thatthe number of Luxembourgers in these twocommunities (Sheldon and Oregon townships)ever exceeded 50 families, there is some rea-son to question this assertion. In the 1850Federal census of the town of Sheldon alone,sixty-six heads of families indicate place of ori-

gin as Luxembourg or Belgium. In additionthere are eighteen others (either wives orindividuals residing in a household) whoindicate Luxembourg or Belgium as theirplace of birth.

The parish census conducted by thethird resident priest, Father Sebastian B.Gruber, born in Bavaria, can help identifymany families of Luxembourg origin. FatherGruber was in Sheldon from February 1850until the summer of 1852. The census docu-ment he prepared is amazing for the amountof information it contains in a relatively smallspace. He recorded information for the 182families in his parish, giving each family anumber.10 The first column of the surveygives the number of the household in theparish. The second column gives the nameof the husband followed by that of the wife(her maiden name). In the third column isfound the date and place of their marriagealong with the name of the priest who

officiated at the wedding. The fourth columnlists the names of the parents of both thehusband and the wife listed in column two.The fifth column gives the names of otherchildren of the couples in column four (thatis the siblings of the husband and wife incolumn two). In the sixth column is given thedates of birth of the couple of column twoalong with the place of birth and the priestwho baptized the person (less frequentlygiven). In between the two birth dates isgiven the date that the couple or familycame to Sheldon. The seventh column, onthe second page gives the names of thechildren born to the union (couple of columntwo). The eighth column gives the birthdate/baptismal date of the children in column seven. The ninth column gives theplace and the tenth column lists the priestwho baptized the child.

(continued on page 15)

be continued, a number ofnew and exciting activi-ties are also in store aswe kick-off LuxembourgFest of America!

Consider having YOURfamily as an HonoredFamily at the 2011 Fest —August 13-14, 2011. The number of HonoredFamilies is limited to 20

families per year. Contact the LACS Office formore information and a registration form. Thedeadline for registration is December 1, 2010!So act now!

What’s involved with being an Honored Family?• The list of Honored Families will be offi-

cially announced and publicized in themedia here in the USA and in Luxembourg on January 15, 2011

• Honored Families exhibit family memora-bilia (photographs, family heirlooms,genealogy) in a 10’ x 10’ booth in theHonored Families Exhibit Hall during theFest — August 13-14. A $65 tax-deductible

registration fee provides you with a 8’ x 8’display table, 8’ x 8’ folding pegboard display backdrop, two folding chairs, asign for display at your exhibit booth, anda sign to be carried during the pageantry

• Honored Families are announced during a special pageant preceding the Fest out-door Mass on Sunday, August 14. Two representatives from your family shallprocess forward in the pageant and areseated on the Fest stage. They are part of a special Honored Families portrait

• Honored Families are listed in the officialprogram for the Luxembourg Fest ofAmerica and in publicity for the Fest

• Individuals/families with your family namefrom throughout the USA and Luxembourgcan come to the Fest to join in the cele-bration and to enjoy the “family reunion”

To learn more about being an HonoredFamily or to make your reservation, contactthe LACS Office at 262-476-5086 [email protected]. Join in the fun and celebrate your special Family!

Luxembourg Fest of America - 2011Consider Being an Honored Family at the Fest

Perhaps you’ve heard that 2011 is the 25thanniversary of Luxembourg Fest of Belgium,Wisconsin. To mark this important occasion,the Fest is making a major change in itsname and scope. The Fest is being renamed“Luxembourg Fest of America” and it willhonor not only Town of Belgium residents but also any other Luxembourg families fromthroughout the United States are now invitedto be an Honored Family at the Fest.

Honored Family names will be advertisedthroughout the United States and inLuxembourg with hopes that Luxembourg Fest of America will become the “world’slargest Luxembourg family reunion!” Whilemany time-honored traditions of the Fest will


REMEMBRANCE GIFTSThe LACS invites you to honor/memorialize that special person(s) in your life by offering a Remembrance Gift donation to the Society. A Remembrance Gift to the LACS, while honoring/memorializing a significant person in your life, will also assist the Society in fulfilling its important mission.Your honoree, or the loved ones of the person who are memorializing, will receive a personalized card noting your thoughtful gesture.

Consider honoring your loved one for birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, retirement, Memorial Day, Veterans Day, All Souls Day, Christmas, Easter or at the time of death. Even without occasion, just surprise someone who has touched your life! All donations to the LACS are tax-deductible as allowed by law.

In Memory of Eugene BaresBeata & Jerome JantyBelgium, Wisconsin

In Memory of Sister Vera Bares, O.P.Jerome & Beata JantyBelgium, Wisconsin

In Memory of Cletus BichlerRobert & Jean BeinemannSheboygan, Wisconsin

In Honor of the 70th Birthday ofGerda Hansen

Kevin WesterPort Washington, Wisconsin

In Honor of Robert & MarianneJohanns

Shirley & Sharon StewartBurr Ridge, Illinois

In Honor of René DaubenfeldShirley & Sharon StewartBurr Ridge, Illinois

In Memory of the Meyers FamilyGeorge MeyersChicago, Illinois

In Memory of Norbert Schecher Sr.,Mary Schecher, Norbert Schecher Jr., &James Schecher

William SchecherSmithfield, Rhode Island

In Memory of All My Gonwa AncestorsPhyllis Gonwa ZeaFranklin Park, Illinois

In Memory of Betty Schommer GellerupBill & Joan GrunwaldGrafton, Wisconsin

In Honor of the Burton FamilyKillian & Millie BurtonBelgium, Wisconsin

In Celebration of the life of Don“Peanuts” Schommer

Jill, Scott & Austin PaulDePere, Wisconsin

In Memory of “Peanuts” SchommerDouglas & Linda KolbachGrafton, Wisconsin

In Memory of Peanuts SchommerGlenn S. GrothmanWest Bend, Wisconsin

In Memory of Donald “Peanuts”Schommer

AnonymousBelgium, Wisconsin

Consider the beautiful LUXEMBOURG AMERICAN CULTURAL CENTER in Belgium, Wisconsin• One-of-a-kind, historic site• Luxembourg art and sculpture• Environment that celebrates family & heritage• Beautiful indoor & outdoor amenities including courtyard, gardens, and conservancy• Large green space for tents and outdoor activities• 2 hours north of Chicago, 40 minutes north of Milwaukee, 20 minutes south of

Kohler/Sheboygan• Fully handicapped accessible• Easy access from I-43

For more information, rental fees & policies, a complimentary tour, or to schedule your special event, contact the Luxembourg American Cultural Center at 262-476-5086 [email protected]

Visit us at www.luxamculturalsociety.org

Looking for the PERFECT PLACE to celebrate your Family Reunion, Wedding,Birthday/Anniversary/Retirement Party, Shower, Holiday or Business Event?


This census, along with the parishrecords for the period 1848-1917, are avail-able from the Family History Library of theChurch of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints,Microfilm No. 1292997. Other information isalso available at the web site for theSheldon township historian:http://sheldonhistorian.tripod.com/. The sitefor St. Cecilia’s Catholic Church is especiallyhelpful.

By 1848, the parish had outgrown the log church and a wood-frame building wasconstructed. This structure, named St.Cecilia’s in honor of the patron saint ofmusic, served the community until 1890when a large, stone church was built thatstill is in use today. As early as 1849 therewas a school associated with the churchand eventually a three-story school buildingwas built. The first cemetery was locatednext to the log church (about a half milesouth of the present church grounds). The current cemetery is located north and east of the church built in 1890.

The Sheldon community experienced arapid growth in the 1850’s. The records of the fourth pastor at St. Cecilia’s, FatherCharles Kuemin, are witness to this popula-tion explosion. During his seven-year stay at St. Cecilia’s he baptized 692 people andofficiated at the marriages of 102 couples.This period is also one which saw anothermigration: to the west. Many of theLuxembourger families left New York andmoved to where there was abundant landand new opportunities. Quite a few settled in southern Goodhue County, Minnesotawhere the descendants of some of the firstimmigrants are still found. Gonner recog-nized this trend and had pointed out that “. . . many of the Luxembourger settlers in Ohio came through this area [Sheldon] ontheir trek.”11

Although it would be inaccurate to callSheldon a Luxembourger community today, it is impossible to deny the role that earlyimmigrants from that area of Europe playedin the establishment of settlement. There arestill Luxembourg family names apparent anddescendants of some of these early settlerslive in the community.12 The region is still primarily agricultural in its economy and the church of St. Cecilia continues to be an inspiring landmark in the countryside.

End Notes:1 Gonner, Luxembourgers in the New World, Part II, Chapter 2, p. 105. The other

community was New Oregon in Erie County.2 Ensch, Jean and Muller, Jean-Claud, D’Lëtzebuerger Auswanderung An Amerika,

catalog, 1986, p. 11.3 Ibid., p. 10.4 An excerpt of an account of the emigration of the Henry and Susann Lies Family from

Haller, Luxembourg in 1852, written in 1925 by Michael Lies: “After several weeks ofpreparations, such as baking toast and packing into boxes made by the village wagon-maker other food stuffs such as smoked ham and beef, flour, eggs, sugar, spices andalso the necessary bedding and cooking utensils and the divers boxes securely providedwith strop irons by the village blacksmith, the courageous party was ready to start onits voyage for the larded North America. There being at this time no railroad within theboundary of Luxembourg, the nearest railroad stations being Pepinster, Belgium, afour-horse freight wagon then in vogue was procured, the boxes, trunks and otherbaggage loaded thereon to the best advantage, ,making the goods answer for seatsand layers for the women and children while the men acted the part of pedestrianswith an occasional chance ride as was then customary. Taken from The Henry LiesSusanna Tamel Descendants, compiled by Rev. Joachim Spexarth, 1984, p. 5.

5 “ . . .travel was cheap. Packet passage in the twenties could be had for four cents amile including board, or three cents without; such fares, noted the MonroeRepublican, were “so low that no man who consults economy, can afford to go onfoot! Line boats charged at least a third less and emigrants traveled in great batchesat a penny a mile.” Ronald E. Shaw, Erie Water West: A history of the Erie Canal, 1792-1854, 1966, p. 214.

6 The following is an excerpt from an unpublished letter written in 1843 from . . . to hiscousin Peter on the island of Guernsey. A copy of the letter is in the archives of theRacine County Heritage Museum. “When you arrive in New York, inquire for the quaywhere the lake boats stop, and inquire for Capt. James Bright; he belongs to the lakeboats, try and make a bargain with him or the agents to take you to Buffalo; if you fail,put your baggage in the steamboat for Albany, where you will find many boats going upthe canal for Buffalo; keep the remainder of your brisket of provisions to make use ofon the canal. The break along the canal is not very good.. . . when you arrive at Buffalo,seek for a steamboat going to Southport, put your baggage on board, and bargain withthe captain to take you; try and have not too much luggage; put your clothes in yourtool chest, if you can—you are allowed about 100 pounds in weight—the rest you mustpay for. In case you run short of money, you can get your passage for helping to woodthe ship, but it is hard work and I would not recommend it only as a last resort.

7 Father John N. Mertz was born in Bonsdorf, Luxembourg on April 26, 1764. He wasordained in Cologne in 1791.

8 Gonner, p. 106.9 St. Cecilia’s parish commemorative document, n.d., no page numbers

10 Of the 182 family records, 163 are more or less complete. Nineteen are incomplete ormissing from the microfilm copy. Seventy-four have heads of household whose placeof birth was either Luxembourg or the province of Luxemboug, Belgium.

11 Gonner, p. 106.12 Barb Durfee, Sheldon Historian lists the following among some of the names of

families with descendants in the area: Armbrust, Reding, Calteaux, George, Perl,Dominesey, Kirsch, Schiltz, Gabel, and Fugle. Barb can be contacted [email protected] . It is interesting to note that in his presentation on 19th & 20th Century Emigration to the USA: An Analytic Overview, Fausto Gardini referred to the cemetery at St. Cecilia’s as a virtual list of Luxembourg family names in theUnited States (Cultural Conference 2010, 6 August 2010).

Settlement Spotlight: Sheldon Township, Wyoming County, New York (continued from page 13)

Support the LACS’ 2010 Annual Fund Appeal

P.O. Box 157, Belgium, WI 53004-0157 USA

Under the High Patronage

of His Royal Highness

Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg

PRSRT STDUS POSTAGE

PAIDMILWAUKEE, WIPERMIT NO 5654

As we “wind down” the fiscal year, we are in the midst of our 2010 Annual Fund Appeal. A few weeks ago, you should have

received a letter inviting you to make a gift to the LACS so as to support our important mission. Thank you to all of those who

have already responded to the appeal! If you have not yet responded, I invite you to show your support through a tax-deductible

gift before December 31, 2010.

This year’s Annual Fund has some new and exciting recognition opportunities! Donors of $35 or more will be recognized

with a collectable lapel pin. Donors for $500 or more will be recognized with a signed copy of the book “Luxembourg By Hot Air

Balloon”. Donors of $1,000 or more will become members of the “Red Lion Circle” and will receive a specially designed Red Lion

art piece. Donors of $5,000 or more will become members of the “Red Lion Leadership Circle” and will receive an exclusively

designed Red Lion art piece.

Support the 2010 Annual Fund through a tax-deductible gift. Help the LACS to preserve our Luxembourg “roots” and to foster

new “leaves” for generations to come!

2010 -fall_-_vol._5,_number_3 (2)

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