George John Merkel

"Deutschland, Baden, Erzbistum Freiburg, katholische Kirchenbücher, 1678-1930," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:Q1P6-V4PZ : 16 January 2019), Johann Georg Merkel, 2 Jan 1855; citing Baptism, Reilingen, Schwetzingen, Baden, Deutschland, , Erzbischöfliches Archiv Freiburg (Archbishop's Archives), Germany.

"Michigan Death Certificates, 1921-1952," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KF7K-TCZ : 13 March 2018), George John Merkel, 28 Dec 1931; citing Chelsea, Washtenaw, Michigan, United States, Division for Vital Records and Health Statistics, Lansing; FHL microfilm 1,973,123.

"Michigan Marriages, 1822-1995", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:FZMQ-G8M : 17 January 2020), George Merkel, 1882.

Find a grave, Memorial ID 53369599

GEDCOM Note

May have been born in Reilingen - many sources differ. Mynning notes state he petitioned for citizenship on 29 April 1878, received it on 6 Oct 1885. She may have copies of records.

When Grandpa George first wife Amelia died at age of 28, she left baby Clara who was 4 months old. Baby Clara was sent to live with her grandparents Louis and Bridget Dettling. Uncle Peter moved in and took over Grandpa George’s farm and Grandpa moved home with his parents. Uncle Mike, Uncle Martin and Uncle Peter paid Grandpa George off for his farm. About 2 yrs later Grandpa made a trip back to Germany and married our Grandma Barbara Doerfer. He then purchased the farm on Chelsea Manchester Rd which is now across the road from Chrysler Proving Grounds. They brought baby Clara to live with them and they had five more children.