These pages provide background information on the
origins of the Benitz and Kolmer families of Endingen (Baden, Germany), as well as information about their
siblings and cousins who remained in Endingen or emigrated to the Americas during the period 1830-1860.
There is also a brief mention about other families who share with us the surname “Benitz”.
Several pages describing the origin and use of the family name in Germany, life in a village of the Black Forest,
and the ancient Benitz ancestors of Endingen, including a family tree 1600-1850.
Several pages covering the lives of Michael & Josefa
/ Josephine Kolmer (sometimes spelt as “Coleman”),
their crossing of the prairies in 1845 from St. Joseph, Missouri, to Sutter's Fort, California (one
of the very first wagon trains),
their children: Josephine (m. Wilhelm / William Benitz), John, & Caroline (m. Bill Howard of Occidental, Calif.),
family trees, photos, letters, anecdotes, maps, and other documents.
Remained
Brief summaries of those Benitz who remained in Endingen:
Josepha, Rosa, & Thaddaeus — he received many letters
from his siblinsgs in the Americas. Includes vital records and some family trees.
To Ohio/Penn.
Brief summaries of those Benitz who emigrated to Ohio &
Pennsylvania in the U.S.: Anton, Franz, Johan, Joseph, Nany (m. Urban Mahler),
& Frank Bauman, their families & and descendants.
Franz (Uncle Frank) later joined Wilhelm in California, was the first Benitz to settle in Argentina (Colonia California).
Includes vital records, maps, photos, and family trees.
To Texas/Calif.
Brief summaries of those Benitz who emigrated to Texas & California
(Mexico / U.S.):
the gold miners Adolphus & Louis, Wilhelm (see his many pages in the W & J Family section),
Barbara (m. Erichson), & Rosa Hildebrand. Includes vital records, maps, photos, and family trees.
To Venezuela
Brief summaries of those Benitz who established the “Colonia Tovar”, Alexander (the leader),
Karl, Lugarda (& son Wilhelm), & Theodore. Includes vital records, maps, photos, and family trees.
To Argentina
Very brief list of those who emigrated from the U.S. to Argentina, for they are already included in one
of the above groups: Franz, Nany (m. Urban Mahler), & Wilhelm.
Other Benitz
Unrelated emigrants to North America from Freiburg (Baden) - a list; and, from Zemmin (Prussia),
they settled
near Wathena in Kansas.
