Christian Siemers' Family Timeline

1941
Oct 17 - 3 newspapers the LI Daily Press, the Troy NY Times Record, & the NY Evening Post carried the following composite story
Oct 18 - the LI Daily Press did a reprint & the LI Star Journal printed the story as well

July 1940
At the age of 18, Henry Siemers, Jr. enlists in the US Army for 3 years

Mid-Sept. 1941
North Carolina - Company L, 16th Infantry under the command of General Hugh Drum was doing maneuvers
(side note: Colonel Theodore Roosevelt is in the same outfit)

 President Roosevelt

General Drum

1st Class Pvt. Henry Siemers falls off a barge into the water while carrying a full pack, injuring his shoulder.  Upon returning to the camp his Sgt noticed that the salt water had rusted his rifle and demanded that Pvt Siemers clean it.  Due to his injured shoulder he was not able to & he refused to do so.  His Sgt demoted him from qualified Pvt to Buck Pvt.which also brought a pay cut from $30 down to $21 a month.

End of Sept. 1941
Henry writes home to his mother, telling him of his woes.  Mrs. Siemers, writes to her sons Company Commander, Captain Frank Shea with no forthcoming response.  She then writes to President Roosevelt.

Oct. 8, 1941
Pvt. Henry Siemers rank of Buck Pvt is restored.

Buck Pvt. Henry Siemers lands in his post's hospital with an infected toe.

Oct. 12, 1941
Mrs. Siemers goes to Fort Deven in Ayers, Massachusetts to visit her son in the hospital. She is approached by (a) Sargeant. He inquires if she had written to the President regarding her sons demotion, when she said yes he began to pound on her with clenched fists, while using profane language as he berated her.

She was treated in the post's hospital for her injuries sustained from the Sgt. striking her.

She complains to Captain Frank Shea demanding the Sgt. be court-martialed.

Camp Deven

Oct. 15, 1941
Mr. Henry Siemers Sr., registers a formal complaint with the Inspector Generals office.

Oct. 16,  1941
Colonel G.B. Woodruff & Lieutenant Col D.E. Thebaud from Fort Jay, Governors Island, visited with Mrs Siemers in order to obtain her formal complaint.

3 newspaper reporters arrive at 90-20 168th Street, in Jamaica NY to interview Mrs. Siemers.  Both Colonel's make a hasty exit through the rear door of her home as she speaks with the reporters in the front room of her home.

War Dept. replica @ Fort Jay on Gov. Island

Oct 17, 1941
The news articles are printed in 3 NY papers.  A 4th NY paper interviewed her and Mrs. Siemers further demands that the court-martial be in NY to save her train fair to Massachusetts.

Oct 18, 1941
A reprint of an interview & the 4th paper's story hit the NY papers.

16th Inf. Reg.

MY THOUGHTS
I've been doing a lot of newspaper research as of late.  When I came across all these articles, each one adding a tid-bit more of information I was thrilled.  I felt like a real investigator. LOL

As far as the situation that occurred, well...
Starting with my uncle, the naive soldier.  I'm sure he didn't realize what he had signed up for when he enlisted at the tender age of 18 for 3 years right off the bat.  I keep hearing that old saying "You're in the Army now!" ringing in my head.  Guess he had to grow up 'real fast'.  Writing home to your Mom about your daily Army life most likely helped with homesickness.  Some may of seen it as he was 'whining' about things.  I don't think so, I think it was more of letting his folks know that less money would be coming home due to his demotion. I don't think he expected his Mother to write to his superiors...and of course not to the President.  

Writing to the President back in those days I think was a bit different then it is today.  People, in my opinion, felt a sense of community --- even with the whole of the USA.  So dashing off a complaint from an angry lioness (yes she was born under the sign of a Leo) protecting her pride & joy was her duty.  

There's no indication exactly what her injuries were, probably "just" bruises since a reporter didn't mention anything broken. I'm sure, if she had the gumption to write the Army brass and the President she didn't bite her tongue with the irate Sgt. We all know how women were looked upon back then -- especially by the military.  So to have a WOMAN! get you in hot water over her pansy son (that's probably what the Sgt called him) I can just imagine how quickly things got heated and turned ugly.

I'm glad she followed through, most likely with a push from her husband.  He was in law enforcement so he most likely was bursting with righteousness.  Knowing his wife was even just slapped by another, let alone a man that is supposed to be professional and represent the upper echelon of the military most likely stuck under his craw in a real bad way.

I see no further articles in any of the NY papers relating to this incident.  I wonder how my uncle was treated after this whole fiasco?  Bet he got KP duty a lot!

I'll be on the search for the outcome wherever I can find it.  I'm so intrigued now.  Unfortunately I think it all fizzled out.  I bet she never went back to Massachusetts, if in fact there was a court-martial.  Time heals all wounds.
We know the Government can drag their sweet feet to their benefit, so that's probably what they did.  By the time the court date came up, all parties were docile by then so they let it go with a big slap on the Sgt.'s wrist.  Possibly a formal apology was issued to her.  I hope at least she got that.

16th Infantry Insignia

1940 Census on 10 April,1940

A general overview of information obtained from the 1940 Census

*Henry (age 44 @ time of census) DOB 25 Dec., 1896 in NY

Highest grade of school was grade 8

He worked on his own account as a private worker as a Guard & was paid by the Government.

In 1939 he made $1,000. for 26 weeks of work.

Wife is Susan (age 38 @ time of census) DOB 1902 in NY

Highest grade of school was grade 8

Children > HENRY  (aged 17 @ time of census) DOB 1923

                Highest grade was HS2

                Christian (aged 14 @ time of census) DOB 1926

                Highest grade was 7

                June  (aged 12 @ time of census) DOB 1928

                Highest grade was 5

                Lois (aged 10 @ time of census) DOB 1930

                Highest grade was 2

                Doris (aged 8 @ time of census) DOB 1932

                Highest grade was 2

                Robert (aged 7 @ time of census) DOB 1933

                Highest grade was 1

Address (rented): Jamaica Ave, Jamaica, Queens (Pd. $28./mo)

MY THOUGHTS

This year the Census added the school information to the forms.  First thing that jumped out at me was my Mother's highest grade.  At 10 years old she probably should of been in the 4th grade.  I started school late due to the month my Birthday falls in...something to do with registration.  So I was 9 in the 2nd grade.  That still leaves another school year unaccounted for, for my Mother.  Looks like she was left back.  I do recall her saying she had a lot of difficulties with math as a young child.  Maybe she was IN the 3rd grade due to the fact that it states highest grade COMPLETED.  So I'm guessing school still began in Sept. & ended in June.  The Census was in April so she would of been in the 3rd grade.  I want to try to find what public schools were near them then.  Maybe,  just maybe, I could get records from the school.  Doubt it though.

The Census also says that Henry (Junior) had completed the 2nd year of High School.  It also reflected that he was working as an order boy for a butcher shop.  It asked how many weeks he had worked in 1939 & a zero was placed in that box.  So this job for him was fairly new.  From March 24 to 30th. he had worked 18 hours,  so I'm thinking he held a part-time job after school.

I can't say I was  surprised to see that an eight grade education was the highest level for both my Grandparents.  Back in their time, especially for women, school was not deemed as important.  Not having unemployment, disability, food stamps, welfare, or retirement available back when they were younger certainly made earning a living critical for survival.  Many families were large so everyone had to work as soon as they could, to assist in providing the necessaries for the family.

A 14 min. video from YouTube showing NY in 1938 NY: The Wonder City

1930 Census on 3 April, 1930

A general overview of information obtained from the 1930 Census

*Henry (age 34 @ time of census) DOB 1896 in NY

Both his parents were born in Germany

He 1st got married @ the age of 25 (1921)

He worked on his own account as a night patrolman.

He stated he was a vet from the Word War

Wife is Susan (age 28 @ time of census) DOB 1902 in NY

Her father was born in Germany & mother in NY

She 1st got married @ the age of 19 (1921)

Children > Henry (aged 7 @ time of census) DOB 1923 

                Christian Siemers (aged 4 9/12 @ time of census) DOB 1926

                June  (aged 2 9/12 @ time of census) DOB 1928

                Lois (aged infant 1/12 @ time of census) DOB 1930

                May [Foster Child] (aged 19 @ time of census) DOB 1911

                She was unemployed but had worked as a bookbinder in a factory.

Address (rented for $45/mo) : South Rd, Jamaica, Queens

My Thoughts

My 1st thought is about the fraction system the Census takers used when noting very young children's ages.

For me it is very confusing.  For instance, taking my Mother's reported age of  1/12.  Initially one would think that that would mean the 1st. month out of a full year, hence being January. That's not the case though.  I know for a fact her birthday is in the middle of March.  Turns out they counted back from the month the Census was taken. 

I don't know why they didn't just write down the month instead.  Would of saved me; and I'm sure the Census takers as well, a lot of mental thinking. 

Which brings me to the fact that in 10 years Henry & Susan were quiet busy!  Having a baby almost every 2 years!  If you figure in gestation time & then healing time, I'd say they didn't wait too long after having a baby to "get busy".  

The foster child,  May, that they had in their home is quiet intriguing. I wonder if she was a "true" foster child. Meaning, were they getting paid by the State of NY to care for her.  It doesn't really matter in the end really.  They had a house full of children & still opened their house to another, that's what's nice in my eyes.

Oh, and they no longer were living in the house that they owned as shown on the previous Census from 1925.  This home they are in, in 1930 is a rented place.  Actually not too far from where the other place was.  Calculating out what their $45.monthly rent would be today, it comes to roughly $550.

I wonder why they moved.  Did they sell the old place?  Did they loose it, due to not being able to keep up mortgage payments?  If they sold it I would think,  they'd of bought another one.  So I'm thinking they lost it.

Maybe they lost it due to him not working with the Dept. of Justice any longer. For on this Census it says that he worked on his own as a guard.  Possibly he quit or was laid off from the Govt. job.  

*Time permitting I may try to find out about their home.  Not sure how to go about that just yet though.

1925 Census on 1 June, 1925

A general overview of information obtained from the 1925 Census

*Henry (age 29 @ time of census) DOB 1896 in USA

He worked as Spec Patrolman

*Wife is Susan A (age 24 @ time of census) DOB 21 May 1901 in USA 

They had gotten married in 1921

Children > .Henry (age 2 @ time of census) DOB 1923 in USA

              

Address (owned): New York Ave  Jamaica, Queens

MY THOUGHTS

Well the 1925 Census was a very short census, but it was the 1st time that my Grandma, Susan, appeared with him.  In fact that is how I was able to finally figure out which Henry was which.  

Now, I'm attempting to find out exactly where they got married. If I knew what faith they practiced that might help.  Who knows though, maybe they got married in the court house.

Well, I thought that picture would come out larger.

 You can see there's 10 church's though.  So I have my investigative work cut out for me.   I vaguely remember seeing an old photo of my Grandmother in a wedding dress.  It's long gone now I suppose. That's why though, I think they had a church wedding and not a civil one.

In this Census it states that my Grandfather,  Henry, now was a Spec Patrolman.  I looked it up but didn't see any ranking of Spec or type of duty called Spec.  I guess it means special, which would fit if he was a guard for the Judicial System still,  like he was in 1920 as shown on that Census.

It must of paid pretty well for this Census is reflecting that the place they resided, they owned.  The place where they lived is now a bank and it's mostly industrialized in the neighborhood.  The closest place I could find to their home would of cost approximately $33.5K back then.  In today's standards that's equivalent to approximately $409K.  Not anything to sneeze at that's for sure.

They waited 2 years to have a baby and THEY NAMED HIM HENRY!  Another Henry! I'm pretty sure it was custom to name the 1st born male son after the Father back then. I noticed females did this as well naming their daughter's after themselves.  Some still adhere to this practice to this day.   

*When I find out exactly where they were married I'll post it.

1920 Census on 12 Jan,1920

A general overview of information obtained from the 1920 Census

*Henry (age 24 @ time of census) DOB 25 Dec,1896 in NYC

Worked as Guard for the Dept. of Justice

Father>  Christian (age 52 @ time of census) DOB 1868 from Hanover,Germany.  Had pending citizen papers in - came to USA in 1882 @ the age of 14. Both of his parents were from Hanover, Germany.

Worked as a carpenter in a wood working shop.

 Mother>     Henrietta  (age 46 @ time of census) DOB 1874 from Seeligen, Russia and spoke German.

She still had alien citizenship status - came to USA in 1877 @ the age of 3. Both her parents came from Russia but spoke German as their mother tongue.

SIBLINGS:   George (age 20 @ time of census) DOB 1900

                 Worked as a machinest in a practical machine shop

                 Bertha (age 18 @ time of census) DOB 1902

                 Worked as an operator at Table

                 Christian (age 14 @ time of census) DOB 1906

                 Jacob (age 8 @ time of census) DOB 1912

                 Lena (age 4 @ time of census) DOB 1916

Address (rented):  Myrtle Ave. Brooklyn

MY THOUGHTS

First a little insight into the part of Russia that Henrietta; my Great Grandma, came from.  If the census taker wrote it down correctly, the word Seeligen that actually means Blessed.  So I can picture it now, Henrietta is reflecting fondly about her family in Russia & calls it blessed.  Although there IS a town in Russia with a very similar spelling and a town in Germany as well.  Being that the census specifically asked what language her parents spoke and she responded German - even though they resided in Russia - maybe she just remembered a town from Germany.  If I can trace her side of the family line back, I may get to the bottom of this.  I thinks it's touching though, to think that she might just of called her hometown - Blessed. 

One thing I don't get is why Henrietta had been living in the US for 43 years and still had not become a citizen?  Her husband too, lived here for 38 years and still had pending paperwork in with immigration. I'm thinking possibly due to lack of funds.  Having 6 children can be really draining on a families cash flow!

Now as for Henry, my Grandfather, looks like he landed himself a good job working for the Depart of Justice as a Guard.  Well good job true, but dangerous all the same.  The census doesn't say exactly where he worked, so it could of been a prison or a court house or any Governmental building I suppose.

As far as his siblings work is concerned, I'm puzzled. George was a machinist.  Exactly what is a "practical machine shop" though?  Google doesn't even know!  And his sister worked as an operator. OK.  But as an operator at "Table"?  Could that of been a name of a restaurant?  Or did the census taker make an error?  Have to say, it was good to see that all the older children in the family worked.  

A YouTube video for you, to give you a "feel" for what NY was like during the 20's.  Enjoy!  Old New York (20')

WW I DRAFT REGISTRATION CARD on 5 June, 1917

WW I DRAFT REGISTRATION CARD 

on 5 June, 1917

*Henry  (age 21 @ time of draft) DOB 25 Dec1895 in Brooklyn, NY

Resided on Forest Ave in NY, NY

Worked @ Burns (?)  Bros @ 103 Park Ave as an iceman.

Was never in any Armed Service prior to the draft

He tried to get out of being drafted saying his Mother (43) & Father (49) were his dependents

Physical Features:  Tall, medium build, with blue eyes and brown hair.

MY THOUGHTS

I was thrilled to find this document for it gave his exact birth date.   There are many Henry's in our family and 3 born in the same year!  It took me 3 days of investigations to piece together which document went with which Henry.   

The draft card also narrowed down his town of birth as well as giving a general physical description of him which I enjoyed finding out.  

I was surprised to see that he claimed his fairly young parents as dependents.   I wonder what his siblings were doing during this time?  His brother George was 17, his other brother Christian was 15, & his sister Bertha was 16.  Didn't  at least 1 of them help out?  Maybe Henry was just scared or had high moral principals regarding war.  It wouldn't be uncommon.

*I'm trying to find out if in fact he did go in the service.  Will post findings. 

Short Synopsis of WW I


Jan 1917 Germany sent a telegram to Mexico. It said they would back Mexico's war & help it get back Texas, New Mexico & Arizona. In exchange they would be German allies against the US.

The Germans then proceeded to sink 7 US merchant ships & together with the the information about the telegram, war was declared on Germany on 6 of April 1917.

By the summer of 1918, 2.8 million men had been drafted.  

On the 11 Nov 1918 an armistice was signed by & with Germany  Subsequently a ceasefire was called thereby ending the war.